Another affordable option, but a trend that I’ve noticed in Luxury Homes recently, is to add or switch out a backspash. The choices are endless and the latest trend is to use unique materials: Metal Grating over a newly painted wall can provide both a chic industrial look and additional hanging storage space. Leather Tiles… Read More
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
A: Yes, thanks to the many city and county governments that offer Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs, which allow first-time homebuyers to take advantage of a special federal income tax write-off. The credit reduces the amount of federal taxes paid by the buyer each year, if he keeps the same loan and lives in the… 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
By Robert Dietz Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes held steady at 60 in January from a downwardly revised December reading of 60, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The January HMI reading is in line with NAHB’s forecast of modest growth for housing. NAHB expects… Read More
Moving late in life can be daunting, but low-income seniors may have an even harder time, studies show. To combat this, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced it is making approximately $15 million available to test a promising housing and services model for low-income seniors to age in their own homes… Read More
This Thank You Thursday we’d like to honor Retired Phoenix Police Lieutenant Christopher Gentis. Upon noticing a neighbors home fully engulfed in flames, Mr. Gentis braved the fire and a partially collapsed roof to rescue his 86 year old neighbor who was unable to escape on her own. In an interview with ABC15 in Phoenix,… 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
If you experienced a financial event that dinged your credit such as a short sale or foreclosure, you’d naturally want to know if your credit score has recovered. Be very careful where your credit information comes from, the only truly free online credit report can be obtained at www.annualcreditreport.com. More Resources for Home Sellers… Read More
