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Should I Take My Home Off the Market During the Holidays?
When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, children's pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in "showtime" condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.
It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may
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find your efforts unrewarded by enough showings. And what if you do get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it
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Should You Remodel or Move?
Unless you've taken a new job in a new location, the decision to move up may involve deciding on whether to remodel or move altogether. Homeowners nationwide will spend $192.8 billion this year to either remodel or repair their homes, according to the U.S. Census.
The Remodeling Index, provided by National Association of Home Builders' Remodeling Council, determines minor alterations at $25,000 or below and major alterations above that amount. Where do you stand? Is it worth $25,000-plus to remodel or should you move up?
There are reasons in favor of both. Let's deal with the remodeling first.
Your community is great, why move? For some homeowners they already live in the best community for their family and lifestyle. The schools are great, it's near their worship center, shopping and they are plugged in with neighbors and the community. So instead of moving, it might be best to expand or remodel.
Sometimes, it's just time to upgrade the house -- even if you're planning on selling in the future. If you bought a home with 15-year-old appliances and décor, it
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Home Buyers May Get Mortgage Insurance Tax Deductions
Home buyers and refinancers who take out low-downpayment loans using any form of mortgage insurance -- FHA, VA guaranty or private coverage -- may get a surprise benefit next month: For the first time ever, they may get the right to deduct their monthly mortgage insurance payments just as they currently get to write off mortgage interest payments.
It's not a done deal yet, but Capitol Hill sources say the prospects are good that pending federal tax legislation will allow mortgage insurance tax deductions when it goes to the President's desk before the end of the year. The write-off provision is tucked away inside a massive $60 billion bill passed last week by the Senate 63-44. The House is expected to pass its own tax bill after the Thanksgiving recess, but without a mortgage insurance deduction sanction. Senate and mortgage industry sources say it is highly likely that a House-Senate on the two bills will approve the Senate's concept, in part because it has bipartisan support from more than half of the members of the House of Representatives, and in part because this year's Senate bill authorizes deductions only for new mortgage insurance policies written during calendar year 2007, thereby cutting revenue costs.
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Homeowners Warming Up to Bigger and Better Fireplaces
Fireplaces have traditionally been one of the top amenities sought by homebuyers. But now sophisticated buyers -- and smart homebuilders -- are taking it one step further with upgraded, additional and outdoor fireplaces.
A survey last year by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association revealed homebuyers include a fireplace among features they most want in their home. They also consider a fireplace a design feature that improves the home's value.
Nearly 60 percent of all homes built today include at least one fireplace, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. And 71 percent of fireplace installations are made by the
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