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I agree with the “Deficit Commission” – let’s eliminate the mortgage interest deduction.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with UNcommon Homes

What!  I bought my home to save taxes.  Yes, but you also paid an inflated price because of the crony capitalism - interest tax deduction.

The value of a home today is based on its true value + the tax deduction received due to the mortgage interest + the tax deduction received for the real estate taxes.  Were these not a cost factor in the sale/purchase the price paid would be something lower.  What that value is we won't know until the deductions are eliminated.  What is a ready, willing and able buyer - willing to pay - for a home where he receives no favorable tax treatment? {crony capitalism}

The mortgage interest deduction did not grow up overnight so it must be eliminated the same way.  I propose to eliminate the mortgage interest deduction 5% every year for 20 years or maybe even slower say 3.3% for 30 years.

Once all the " tax favors" are eliminated we will have a true laissez-faire real estate market which will be more stable and less subject to fluctuations.  When you eliminate government intervention in commerce you have buyers and sellers dealing with each other as equal traders - value for value.

Let's eliminate the real estate tax deduction too!

Tell your congressman YOU support elimination of the Mortgage Interest deduction AND all crony favoritism for real estate.

NOTE: I own 17 rental homes so I have more to lose than most and still favor its elimination.

Posted by

You’ve sold the home.  You got the price your sellers wanted.  Now what?  The appraiser calls, don’t panic, you’re prepared – or are you?

Here are a few tips for you to assist the appraiser and ensure a smooth path to closing.

Make every effort to be available to the appraiser for the requested inspection date or make sure he has convenient access.

If you attend the inspection do not distract the appraiser during the inspection.

Advise the appraiser of all the homes, you, your office and competitors have sold in the neighborhood.  Let him know YOU are the expert in the neighborhood [even if your not].

Appraisers want statistics and FACTS regarding values, amenities, neighborhood and market area data.  Provide a highlight sheet of all pertinent patent and latent information about the house, i.e. furnace updated, roof replaced, electric upgraded etc…

Provide the sales contract with all addenda and agreements.  Appraisers must consider ALL value-influencing factors.  Undisclosed terms or conditions could adversely influence the reliability of the appraisal report.

Provide a copy of the current deed.  The appraiser needs to know the exact legal description, how title is held and any encumbrances, restrictions, covenants and easements that may affect value.

Providing a site drawing with location and house dimensions is also very useful.  With the site plan, the appraiser can confirm the legal description, lot size, location in or near flood zones and the square footage of the dwelling.

Provide a recent tax bill.  Again, this document will corroborate the legal description, states the annual taxes and occasionally provides the site size.

Provide the appraiser at least three relevant sales – don’t just give him the highest sales you can find.  Remember, he has access to all the data and can corroborate whatever you give him.  If your sales aren’t relevant you lose credibility and the appraiser may not rely on your expertise.  Try to find relevant sales less than 90 days old; you can still supply sales up to six months old.  You should also provide any pending sales and several active listings.  Sold, Pending and Active listings are ALL valuable tools to the experienced appraiser.

Any other information you have floor plans, condominium documents, local developer plans, home inspection reports etc…  all help the appraiser reach accurate conclusions and enhances the opinion of value.

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Anonymous
Steve Hula

I know several people here in Arkansas, and even a commercial airline pilot in Florida, who have purchased a small home in Texas, but who live here in Arkansas, who claim Texas residency in order to eliminate or reduce their State & Fed income tax.    I know of very few people in my state who earn less than $50,000 a year who are able to purchase a second home in Texas and take advantage of the same benefits the wealthy enjoy.  To bad the middle class has to cover for the State & Fed taxes those folks are able to get out of paying.  Guess this is just one of many "loop holes" the wealthy enjoy.  Guess they must also be big campaign contributors (buy off the politicians).

Apr 14, 2011 03:07 AM
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