Calculator, pile of papers, taxes, deductions

Income Tax: 10 Ways You Can Pay Less This Year

Nobody wants to pay more taxes than they need to. Some of us are confident preparing our own Income Tax every year, I’m keenly aware that that’s way outside my wheelhouse. I am more than happy to tuck away enough money in the budget to retain an accountant. Maybe you opt for the EZ form,… Read More

house with dollar sign inside and crossed arrows around percent sign - Home Prices down Interest Rates up - Bill Salvatore, Realty Excellence East Valley - Arizona Elite Properties 602-999-0952

Average 30-Year Fixed Rate for Home Loans Above 4 Percent

How much will mortgage rates increase? Rumor has it, mortgage rates are on the rise. The economy is undeniably healthy… have you checked your retirement accounts lately? Unemployment rates have dropped considerably, nationwide unemployment is at its lowest in over a decade. And low interest rates have remained on the charts much, much longer than… Read More

spacious room with wood floors, columns, walls and ceiling accents - luxury home, wood floors, wood accents - Bill Salvatore, Arizona Elite Properties 602-999-0952 - Arizona Real Estate Luxury Homes

The Wide World of Woods – Add Warmth and Value to Your Home

Can You Transform Your Home’s Interior With a Few Wood Accents? Wood as an interior design element never seems to go out of style. Wood floors are always in demand, wood adorned furniture has been trendy for decades. But it’s looking like 2018 might be the year of wood’s comeback as a decorating focal point…. Read More

Big key and Dollar Sign - The key your home price, pricing your home

How Much Home Can You Buy? Depends on Where You Look

The article below addresses the average size home that $300,000 will buy you in 20 different states, none of which is Arizona so I’ve done a little digging in my own area. $300,000 is higher than the median sales price in several East Valley cities and Phoenix. Gilbert and Chandler median home prices are currently… Read More

White 2-story Southwest style home with SOLD sign out front - Bill Salvatore, Realty Executives East Valley - 602-999-0952

Real Estate Q & A: Is it Possible to Schedule Showings Only When We’re at Work?

Question: Is it possible to schedule showings only when we’re at work so our evenings, weekends and family time are not disturbed? I hear this question in one form or another all the time; only when we’re at work, only when we’re at home, only when the kids are at school, only when the dog… Read More

Home Inspector checking plumbing - Home Inspection, Home Repairs - Bill Salvatore, Arizona Elite Properties 602-999-0952 - Arizona Real Estate

Video: Home Repair Before, During and After a Home Sale

Most home buyers recognize the value in a home inspection during the buying process. It helps you solidify your decision to buy the home, and prepare you for what you’ll need to watch for in the future. When the home inspector sums up his report after your home inspection, don’t just begin making your list… Read More

two people riding bikes at sunset in front of a home - Vacation Home, Second Home, Recreation, Active Adult - Bill Salvatore, Realty Excellence East Valley - Arizona Elite Properties

Retirement Expenses Begin with Housing

What’s at the top of your retirement expense checklist? For most of us it’s housing. The first thing many retirees consider is reducing their budget by downsizing their home. This helps with more than just mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance, and insurance costs can also be reduced by moving to a smaller home. Medical and transportation costs… Read More

Blue report book and graph with upward arrow next to a house for sale. Real Estate Market, Report, Update, Statistics - Bill Salvatore, Realty Excellence East Valley - Arizona Elite Properties 602-999-0952

5 Housing Trends for 2018 Include Increased Inventory

When will we see a balanced Real Estate Market? Our market is just beginning to pick up for 2018 after the usual holiday falloff. I haven’t yet seen evidence of increased housing inventory here in Arizona, but I am cautiously optimistic that the experts know what they’re talking about. An extended lack of inventory generally… Read More

FIRPTA – A Tax on Home Seller’s that Home Buyer’s May be Liable For

FIRPTA – A Tax on Home Seller’s that Home Buyer’s May be Liable For FIRPTA has been around awhile but I ran up against it so many times in the past year that I’ve learned a lot more about it lately. The friendly folks at Pioneer Title were especially knowledgeable and helpful, explaining the finer… Read More

Pie chart showing what affects your credit in percentages - Understanding Credit, Credit Score Tips, Fixing Your Credit - Bill Salvatore, Realty Executives East Valley - 602-999-0952

Video: Improving Your Credit Score, How and Why

Can you improve your own credit score? The video below offers some advice if you choose to work with a credit counselor and some warnings, but you can actually repair your credit yourself in a few straightforward steps. Check your credit report on annualcreditreport.com. This is the only site authorized by federal law to provide… Read More