Tis the season. Did you know most homeowners can write off all mortgage interest up to $1.1 million for primary and secondary residences, as well as property taxes? Credits for property taxes and other tax breaks are also offered to in 21 states and the District of Columbia. But mortgage interest and property taxes are… Read More
When it comes to home renovation, it’s smart to focus on improving the areas that see the most use, not only for increased functionality and enjoyment, but also to boost the home’s value come resale. Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms top the list of rooms homeowners would most like to remodel, according… Read More
Anchoring your TV is worth talking about. A Wisconsin mom recently shared her story in hopes that other parents can avoid what she went through. Her 4-year-old daughter nearly lost her life when a TV fell from a bureau and fractured her skull. Kudos to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for spearheading a campaign… Read More
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today awarded $5.9 million in grants to 26 Tribes to offer a permanent home and supportive services to Native American Veterans who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs… Read More
Bigger and more expensive projects, rising new home prices, curb appeal and energy efficiency all contributed to a slight gain in remodeling projects’ payback at resale, with an average return of 64.4 percent return if the home is sold within a year. That’s up from 62 percent in the 2015 report and the second-highest return… Read More
You might think home heating systems would be the last thing we worry about here in Arizona. You’d be wrong. Short winters are the norm from the Phoenix Metro area to the Southern border but we do have them. The Northern and Eastern parts of our state are mountainous and indicative of all that comes… Read More
Among the nation’s top 300 markets, a total of 170 or 57 percent have now achieved full price recovery, according to Homes.com®’s September 2015 Local Market Index, a price performance summary of repeat sales in the top 100 markets, and the companion Midsize Markets Report for the next 200 largest markets. By September, 53 out… Read More
It is not uncommon for two or more generations of a family to live together. Indeed, builders have anticipated this and are designing more properties with in-law apartments, guest homes and casitas, private suites. There a number of details that can make the transition from being independent to cohabitating a lot easier and more comfortable… Read More
By Barbara Pronin Keeping up your home’s curb appeal shows more than pride of ownership. It shows respect for your neighbors – and when or if you decide to sell, a well-maintained home means it will sell faster and likely for top dollar. Similarly, maintaining your home’s interior is likely to pay off in the… Read More
Military members and their families face challenges not necessarily encountered by families in the general public; frequent relocation, long periods of separation, and an occasional interruption of income. “Military families do an amazing service for this country,” says American Bankers Association (ABA) President and CEO Frank Keating. “The nature of their jobs is inherently stressful… Read More
