Anti Burglar Tips for Sellers

A House with the For Sale sign can be targets for criminals and squatters. Use the tips below to protect your property while its on the market.

Realtor.com suggests that you mark your valuables and record details. Use invisible-ink pens or engravers to mark identifying information (driver’s license or state ID numbers) on items. Log serial numbers and take photos of your belongings. Check to see if your police department participates in the Operation Identification program. They will have stickers for you to place on doors or windows warning would-be thieves that your items are marked. These steps may prevent them from pawning or selling stolen items and can help you reclaim recovered belongings.

If the home is empty, inform your neighbor the house is going on the market and to report anyone other than your real estate agent showing up to view the home after hours.

Make it look like you are home regularly, especially if the property is empty. Invest in lightening apps that can be controlled by your phone, or lamps that pop on at sunset.

A well manicured lawn usually means that the home is occupied but overflowing newspapers, and packages that accumulate by the front door is usually a tell tell sign that the home is empty.

When buying or selling a home in the Denver metro area, contact Delilah,

 and let me put my knowledge, experience, expertise, and professionalism to work for you. 

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Anti Burglar Tips for Sellers

Hidden Homeowner Costs

Budgeting for buying a home can be difficult enough when you’re just weighing mortgage options and a purchase price. But there are many other factors that go into the cost of home ownership. Some of them are one-time expenses that you’ll pay during the home buying process, while others will be recurring costs for as long as you own the home.

Closing costs
There are several smaller fees that add up to a rather large sum when you’re going through the closing process—loan fees, attorney fees, underwriting fees, and more. They typically add up to 2–5% of the purchase price. For a $300,000 home—roughly the national median—that’s in the neighborhood of $10,000, so be sure to budget for it.

Appraisal
Your lender will require an appraisal, and the appraisal fee (a few hundred dollars) comes out of your pocket.

Inspection
The few hundred dollars you’ll pay for a home inspection is money well spent, but it’s something you have to keep in mind during the purchase process. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the house is free from any major issues, and you’re making a smart, solid investment.

Insurance
Although homeowners insurance isn’t legally required, it’ll almost certainly be required by your lender. Further insurance, such as flood insurance, may also be required (depending on your location).

Home Owners Association
If you’re living in a property or community with shared spaces, you’ll almost certainly have an HOA fee. This pays for things like trash removal, maintenance of common areas, and for recreational facilities like gyms and swimming pools.

If you are ready to start on the path to home ownership, give me a jingle at 720-316-4436.

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Hidden Homeowner Costs

Five Tax Breaks For Homeowners

Owning your own home is a big responsibility and at times it can be a lot of work. Fortunately, there are some great tax advantages for owning, in addition to having a place of your own. 

  1. Mortgage Interest Deduction: This has long been one of the most valuable deductions for homeowners, especially with a new mortgage where the payments consist of mostly interest. 

  2. Home Improvement Loan Interest: The same way your mortgage interest is deductible, so can be the interest on a home improvement loan. Consult your tax advisor because some wear and tear items such as carpet and paint may not qualify. 

  3. Mortgage Points/Origination Charges: These charges are treated similar to interest on the loan, making them deductible. Consult your tax advisor because the deduction is treated differently depending on if the charges were for a refinance or a purchase. 

  4. Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Up to 10 percent of the improvement cost can be applied as a tax credit, which is a direct reduction in the amount of tax you owe. There are a wide variety of items such as energy efficient appliances, furnaces, insulation, and windows. Be aware that this credit does max out at $500. 

  5. Capital Gains Exemption: If you were to sell a home and realize a profit you can claim that profit tax-free. Be aware there are many requirements for the exemption, such as the home must have been your primary residence for 2 out of the last 5 years. 

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Five Tax Breaks For Homeowners