whats my home worth: New Real Estate Rule Could Affect Future Home Sales
- 01/19/26 04:06 PM
When it comes to buying or selling a home, most of us expect a familiar process: offer, contract, closing. But starting December 1, 2025, a new federal regulation could change what's required in certain transactions... and we want you to be informed ahead of time.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is launching a nationwide rule that targets residential real estate purchases made by companies, LLCs, or trusts, especially when there's no traditional mortgage involved (i.e., an all-cash purchase or funding from a private lender without anti-money laundering safeguards).
While the goal of the rule is to prevent illegal financial activity … (3 comments)
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whats my home worth: Is Now the Time to Refinance? Lower Rates Could Mean Lower Payments
- 12/08/25 06:06 PM
After months of elevated mortgage rates, there's finally good news for homeowners: rates have been trending down over the past few months, and many experts expect this trend to continue as the Federal Reserve signals potential rate cuts through the end of the year. If you purchased your home when rates were at or above 7%, now might be a good time to evaluate whether refinancing could reduce your monthly payment and improve your long-term financial picture.
But refinancing isn't just about chasing a lower rate. It's a financial decision that should be based on two important factors: how long you plan … (4 comments)
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whats my home worth: Smart Homeowner Tips
- 11/11/25 05:31 PM
1. Take Advantage of Homeowner Tax Benefits
Mortgage Interest Deduction: Deduct interest on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt (for loans after 2017). Property Tax Deduction: Deduct up to $40,000 in combined state and local taxes (SALT). Capital Gains Exclusion: Exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) in profit when selling a primary residence, if ownership and use tests are met. Energy-Efficient Home Credits: Federal tax credits available for solar, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and more. 2. Lower Your Monthly Housing Costs
Refinance When Rates Drop: Consider refinancing your mortgage to reduce your interest rate and monthly payment. Appeal … (3 comments)
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whats my home worth: Understanding Normal Settling vs. Foundation Problems
- 09/28/25 06:08 PM
Every home experiences some degree of movement over time, often called settling. It's a natural part of the aging process for any structure, especially in areas with varying soil conditions, temperature swings, or after the first few years of construction. While minor signs of settling are usually no cause for alarm, some changes can hint at serious foundation issues that deserve immediate attention.
Knowing the difference between normal settling and foundation trouble can save homeowners and buyers from costly surprises and protect the value of the property.
Common Signs of Normal Settling
Minor cracks or imperfections often develop as homes adjust to their environment. These signs are usually … (2 comments)
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whats my home worth: Capital Gains Exclusion for Surviving Spouses
- 09/23/25 01:27 PM
Losing a spouse is a deeply emotional experience and the financial decisions that follow can feel overwhelming. One important area to understand during this time is how the IRS treats the sale of a primary residence after the death of a spouse. Under certain conditions, surviving spouses may qualify for a larger capital gains exclusion, up to $500,000, if the home is sold within a specific time frame.
Here's what you need to know.
1. The $500,000 Capital Gains Exclusion: The Two-Year Rule
In general, married couples who file jointly can exclude up to $500,000 of capital gains when selling their … (0 comments)
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whats my home worth: Unlocking the Advantage of Assumable FHA & VA Loans
- 06/22/25 09:02 AM
In today's high-interest-rate environment, homebuyers are looking for every possible advantage to secure an affordable mortgage. One often-overlooked opportunity is assuming an existing FHA or VA loan, especially those issued in the past few years when interest rates were at historic lows.
An assumable loan allows a qualified buyer to take over the seller's existing mortgage, including its remaining balance, interest rate, and repayment terms. FHA and VA loans are generally assumable, but buyers must meet the lender's qualification standards, just like they would for a new mortgage.
With interest rates currently much higher than they were just a few years ago, … (2 comments)
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whats my home worth: The Difference Between Reasonable and Fiduciary Care
- 04/21/25 08:48 PM
As a real estate professional, my role is not just to help you navigate the buying or selling process, but also to ensure you receive the highest standard of care and attention throughout the journey. While terms like "reasonable care" and "fiduciary care" may sound similar, they are essential concepts that define my responsibilities to you as a client. Let's explore these terms to better understand how they impact the service you receive.
Reasonable Care: Competence and Diligence
Reasonable care refers to the standard duty of competence and diligence that any professional owes to their client. It means performing services with … (4 comments)
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whats my home worth: The First Consideration Before Listing your Home
- 04/13/25 04:55 PM
Selling a home in today's market requires more than just listing it...you need to meet buyers where they are. With home prices at record highs and mortgage rates around 6.5%, many buyers simply don't have the funds left for renovations or repairs after closing. That's why preparing your home before listing is crucial to achieving the best possible price, a quick sale, and a smooth transaction.
One of the biggest benefits of preparing your home is financial. Homes that are clean, updated, and in great condition often sell at a higher price. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for a … (1 comments)
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whats my home worth: Avoiding Tax when you Sell your Home
- 03/13/25 03:30 PM
In the past, many homeowners didn't give much thought to keeping detailed records of home improvements. With capital gains exclusion thresholds of $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married couples, most homeowners didn't come close to exceeding these limits when selling their homes.
As a result, they often overlooked the importance of tracking and documenting their expenditures on property improvements. However, the landscape has shifted significantly in the last decade.
The rapid appreciation of home values has pushed many homeowners into a position where they might exceed the capital gains exclusion threshold and owe taxes on their profit. By understanding what qualifies … (1 comments)
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whats my home worth: VA Allows Buyer-paid Broker Fees
- 11/10/24 11:33 AM
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as VA, issued a policy change that now allows payment to buyer brokers on VA loans. They will be subject to certain safeguards, such as the requirement that all buyer-broker fees charged to veterans "must be reasonable and customary within local markets." The circular is effective Aug. 10, 2024, and is valid until rescinded.
The VA also clarified that veterans can still ask sellers to cover these fees which in most cases will be negotiated in the offer to purchase agreement. As the practicality of the settlement of the lawsuit becomes clearer, VA is expected to issue … (5 comments)
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whats my home worth: U.S. Homeowners Property Tax Increase
- 10/20/24 01:47 PM
Last year, U.S. homeowners faced an average property tax bill exceeding $4,000, marking the highest increase in five years, according to data from Attom Data Solutions, a real estate data firm. Property taxes nationwide amounted to over $363 billion in 2023, reflecting a 6.9% rise, largely attributed to inflationary pressures on local government costs and public employee wages.
States with the highest effective property tax rates included Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and Nebraska, with notable disparities in tax increases observed across different regions, such as a 31.5% increase in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a 15.2% rise in Atlanta.
Property taxes … (1 comments)
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whats my home worth: Is a friend your best choice for your agent?
- 08/11/24 04:34 PM
In the realm of real estate transactions, the decision to engage a friend who also happens to be an agent may seem like a tenuous situation and may cause some hesitation.
Concerns about how professional relationships may impact their personal connection occasionally weighs on a person's mind, leading them to consider alternative options. It may stem from the fear that any hiccups or disagreements during the transaction may strain or even jeopardize the friendship.
It may actually be the opposite. There are many advantages to working with a professional to find your home who also happens to be your friend.
Trust: Having a … (3 comments)
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whats my home worth: Key Considerations When Downsizing Your Home
- 08/06/24 05:25 PM
While the process of downsizing may initially focus on finding a smaller property, it's essential for homeowners to also think ahead and plan for the future by including considerations such as aging in place, healthcare needs, and financial security, and offer guidance on creating a comprehensive plan for the years ahead.
Assessing Long-Term Needs
Before downsizing, take the time to assess your long-term needs and goals. Consider factors such as your health, mobility, and lifestyle preferences, as well as any anticipated changes in family dynamics or caregiving responsibilities. Think about how your housing needs may evolve as you age and … (6 comments)
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whats my home worth: The dilemma is clear: wait for conditions to improve, or act now?
- 07/22/24 05:06 PM
Are you one of the many would-be homebuyers holding off on purchasing a home, hoping for a favorable shift in the market? With insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs on the rise, it's understandable why some are hesitant to take the plunge. However, the reality is that these factors affecting affordability are compounded by the continuing increase in home values. The dilemma is clear: should you wait for conditions to improve, or should you act now?
The Affordability Challenge - Escalating insurance premiums, property taxes, and maintenance expenses are making homeownership less attainable for many prospective buyers. As these costs continue to … (6 comments)
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whats my home worth: Helping buyers make sense of upcoming changes
- 07/02/24 10:04 PM
Helping buyers make sense of upcoming changes7/3/2024 Upcoming changes in real estate transactions are imminent following the resolution of significant class action lawsuits involving sellers and the National Association of REALTORS® along with numerous leading real estate firms nationwide. These changes will have implications for sellers, buyers, and agents alike.
There has been a lot of news coverage in the past few weeks but unfortunately, much of it has added to the confusion on how things will change rather than clarify it.
It was reported that since the seller will most likely be paying only their commission, the price of homes … (7 comments)
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whats my home worth: How to change a second home to a primary home & why
- 06/24/24 07:40 PM
The tax benefits of owning both a first and second home can be significant, with the IRS allowing taxpayers to deduct interest and property taxes on both properties as itemized deductions on their tax returns, albeit with certain limitations. Interest deductions are limited to the amount of debt incurred to buy, build, or improve the first and/or second home, with a maximum cap of $750,000. Property taxes, falling under the limitation of state and local taxes as set forth in the TCJA of 2017, are capped at $10,000 per year.
However, while second homes enjoy these benefits, they do not … (0 comments)
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whats my home worth: Home selling strategies for downsizing seniors
- 05/27/24 01:23 PM
Downsizing can be a significant life transition for any age person, but especially for seniors who may have lived in this last home for some time. Follow these suggestions to make the downsizing process smoother and less stressful.
Start Early: Begin the downsizing process well in advance of your planned move. Give yourself plenty of time to make decisions and avoid feeling rushed. Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your current and future needs in terms of space, accessibility, and location. Consider factors like health, mobility, and proximity to family and healthcare facilities. Create a Plan: Develop a comprehensive downsizing plan that outlines … (2 comments)
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whats my home worth: Marketing Job - Transform your home into a showstopper with the power of staging!
- 05/16/24 02:30 PM
Imagine looking around your home and wondering how you can make it shine during those crucial showings. The answer is simple: staging! It's a powerful tool that can transform your property and raise its appeal.
Your online listing photos serve as the initial showcase for potential buyers. Staging plays a crucial role in enhancing these images, making them more captivating and inviting. It sets the stage, quite literally, for a positive first impression. When buyers scroll through your listing, professionally staged rooms catch their eye, drawing them into the story your home tells.
Staging isn't just about creating a visually pleasing … (4 comments)
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whats my home worth: Smart Home Tech: Is It Real Property or Personal Belongings in a Home Sale?
- 04/19/24 08:19 PM
Smart Home Tech: Is It Real Property or Personal Belongings in a Home Sale? Many of today's homeowners have accumulated multiple high-tech "smart" devices to make their home more convenient, economical, and fun to operate. When they decide to sell the home, they need to make the listing agent completely aware of whether they will be included in the sale of the home.
Some of these things easily meet the definition of real property because they are permanently installed like thermostats, doorbells, cameras, garage door openers, and pool equipment monitors. A rule of thumb mentioned frequently is that if it were removed, the … (3 comments)
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whats my home worth: House-Hacking your way to multi-unit rentals
- 03/12/24 07:01 PM
House-hacking refers to buying a multifamily property on an owner-occupied mortgage, living in one unit and renting the others. If you're thinking about becoming a rental mogul, starting early is an advantage. Not only will you have longer to accumulate a larger portfolio, but you can also increase the leverage on the first owner-occupied acquisitions.
Leverage is the use of other people's money to finance an investment. The higher the loan-to-value, the greater the leverage which can increase the yield. The lower down payment gives the investor more leverage which can increase the return on their investment.
FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac … (1 comments)
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When it comes to buying or selling a home, most of us expect a familiar process: offer, contract, closing. But starting December 1, 2025, a new federal regulation could change what's required in certain transactions... and we want you to be informed ahead of time.
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