As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are — and are not — entitled to. Running afoul of any of these 10 home-related tax mistakes — which tax pros say are especially common — can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep. Sin #1: Deducting […]
Author Archives: The Wizard
17
May
May
Many buyers today want move-in-ready homes and will quickly eliminate an otherwise great home by focusing on a few visible flaws. Unless your home shines, you may endure showing after showing and open house after open house—and end up with a lower sales price. Before the first prospect walks through your door, consider some smart […]
17
May
May
Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process. Warm, neutral-colored paint is key when staging your home. Image: Radius Images/Getty Images. The first step to getting buyers to make an offer on your home is to impress them with its appearance so they begin to envision themselves living […]
17
May
May
Homebuyer incentives can be smart marketing or a waste of money. Find out when and how to use them. Incentives such as a new grill out on the patio can set your home apart from the competition. Image: Weber-Stephen Products Co. Be sure you’re sending the right message to buyers when you throw in a homebuyer […]
17
May
May
An inviting open house can put your home on buyers’ short lists. After you’ve done everything you can to make your home appealing to buyers, get out of there and let your REALTOR® sell it.Get ready for your open house—stress-free—by starting early and breaking down your to-do list into manageable chunks. Use this timeline of […]
28
Apr
Apr
The Short Sale A short sale is far from hassle-free, but it’s a better alternative than foreclosure. And now you’ve got a little help from your friends in D.C. Here are the facts about short sales and how to get started.
28
Apr
Apr
A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.
28
Apr
Apr
By doing homework in advance, you’ll understand what you’re asked to sign when you close the sale of your home.
28
Apr
Apr
Homeownership should make you feel safe and secure, and that includes financially. Be sure you can afford your home by calculating how much of a mortgage you can safely fit into your budget.Instead of just taking out the biggest mortgage a lender qualifies you to borrow, consider how much you want to pay each month […]
28
Apr
Apr
You’ve found your dream home. Make sure missteps don’t prevent a successful closing.