1. Exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be purchased separately. Costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s risk. 2. Dollar limitations
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08/26/2011
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home. 2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-h
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08/21/2011
It’s guaranteed to be chaotic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances
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08/19/2011
Good News in the Ada County Real EstateMarket. 16 Aug July sales were 564 in Ada County, an increase of 42% compared to sales in July 2010…yep…that’s right 42%! July sales were 564 in Ada County, an increase of 42% compared to sales in July 2010…yep…that’s right 42%! Historically,
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08/16/2011
In today’s volatile real estate market, I am often asked by buyers: “Should I wait until the market ‘bottoms out’ before I purchase, or should I act now?” The best answer is…”That depends.” It depends on what you want to accomplish. Are you simply wanting to get the “cheapest price” on a house o
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08/15/2011
If you’re thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won’t cover your total mortgage obligation and closi
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08/15/2011
When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain — the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations. How to Calculate GainIn real estate, capital gains are based not
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08/15/2011
Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips: 1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details. 2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle. 3. Put a pot of bright flow
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08/15/2011
These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’sa sign that you may be ready to move. 1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage stateme
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08/15/2011
Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable forobtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score: 1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collecti
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08/15/2011
