For those about to put their home on the market, there’s nothing quite as beneficial as doing a thorough “spring cleaning” to get ready. This means getting rid of a lot of clutter that might distract a prospective buyer. Below are five spring cleaning tips that can help spruce up your home for the sale. … Read More “Spring Cleaning for the Spring Market” »
Category: Blog
In order to take advantage of the up-to-$500,000 exclusion of gain (or up-to-$250,000 if you file a tax return as a single taxpayer) the house you sell has to be your “principal residence”. Under most circumstances, we do not need a legal definition of this concept. “This is my house, and I have lived here … Read More “Defining Principal Residence: Its Your Home!” »
These clever tricks banish dim interiors and dark corners, and usher natural light into the house. Most homes have a few gloomy rooms and nooks, but you don’t have to stay in the dark. To illuminate a poorly lit home without flicking a single light switch, use a combination of these bright ideas to enjoy … Read More “Bright Ideas: How to Light Up Your Rooms” »
Courtesy of Stewart Title of California, Inc. 800.STEWART | stewart.com UNDERSTANDING THE SB 2 AFFORDABLE-HOUSING RECORDING FEE Beginning January 1, 2018, pursuant to SB 2 and with the exception of expressly exempted recordings, a fee of $75 will be due at the time of recording for every real estate instrument, paper or notice required or … Read More “SB 2: KNOW THE FACTS, PAY THE FEES.” »
Everything about Marie Kondo is magically tidy, down to the storage and organizing expert’s website where neat instructions invited me to contact her but warned: “At this time, we cannot answer personal questions about your tidying.” I would have to get around that. Putting some of my questions on the back burner—is it time to … Read More “9 Tips from the World’s Top Storage Fanatic” »
Selling a home for the first time can be just as much of an education as buying one. Purchasing your first home is always an education process – you learn about the local market, mortgages, housing codes and zoning and negotiation. Depending on how quickly you have to move to be able to snap up … Read More “6 Do’s and Don’ts for Selling Your First Home” »
Americans are concerned about homeownership in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, according to new realtor.com® research. The legislation, awaiting President Trump’s signature (at press time), passed on Wednesday this week. More than one-third (36.2 percent) of respondents to a realtor.com survey, conducted Dec. 18-19 prior to the passage, were “concerned” about being … Read More “Americans ‘Concerned’ About Homeownership in Light of Tax Bil” »
You know how tough it is to qualify for a mortgage. Proof you’ve got a long-term job with ample income. A credit score to the moon. Your life’s savings as a down payment. More cash stashed away. A debt-to-income ratio to die for. For some, tax returns for the last two years. You’ve been there, … Read More “How to Keep Your Mortgage Approval Approved” »
Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are 10 of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home. 1. Using Traditional Light bulbs If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money … Read More “Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home” »
Ask the 60-some percent of brokers in RISMedia’s 2017 Power Broker Survey: Almost every housing market is plagued by short supply. In fact, inventory nationally for pre-owned properties is at 3.9 months, down 10.4 percent from last year, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently reported. The challenge, according to realtor.com®, could moderate in the … Read More “2018 Forecast: Is Inventory Relief on the Way?” »