Homeowner Tax Breaks

Whether you are a DIY tax preparer, or you have your taxes done professionally, tax season brings a great deal of the unknown for most people.  Will I get a refund back?  Will I owe?  Can I write this off?

With two months to go until your taxes are due, it's time to get serious about gathering your data and getting that refund back!

I am trying something new this year.  Through the recommendation of a close friend, I'll be using Charitax.com to get the most from my return.  I've been a DIY for the past few years, and it's time that I  stop pretending to know what I'm doing.  

Eric Bisignano, founder of Charitax, and I spoke over the phone this week.  I feel more comfortable than ever in recommending his service to anyone reading.  Not only did he make me feel comfortable about preparing my documents for filing, but the mission and goals of Charitax make this a local organization I am proud to support.  If you are going to spend money getting your taxes done, it's nice to know that some of it is going to charity! 

Use this link to visit the Charitax site

I'd recommend talking to Eric about your Home Tax Deductions, but if you are a DIY tax preparer, this article on Don't-Miss Home Tax Breaks should at least get you started with getting the most from your home this tax season.  

Happy filing!

Take care, 

Scott Morrison

text: 614-383-8502

scottmorrison@kw.com

Home Sales vs Mother Nature

There is no doubt that Mother Nature's decision to send us the arctic air has slowed the local real estate market.  Below zero temperatures and multiple inches of snow have significantly reduced the traffic going through listings and are causing current homeowners to delay selling until the weather turns.

So what does this mean?

For potential home sellers, past data tells us that there will be a flood of homes that hit the market over the next 60 days.  Because of the rough winter weather, numbers may be higher than usual this spring as folks have delayed listing.  So, competition will be high.  Typically when competition is high, prices tend to venture downward in order to get homes sold.  Having your home prepared to sell, and pricing it right on day 1 are the best ways to get top dollar as the spring season hits.

For potential buyers, the flood to the market for homeowners means that there will be a lot of homes to choose from.  However, there are a ton of buyers out there that are eager to find a home they love.  Because of the lower numbers this winter, many anxious buyers are waiting for the right home to present itself.  So, the good news of more inventory being on the horizon means that your options will increase.  But, more buyers will be in the market, so the best way to find the home that is right for you is to be prepared and ready to follow these tips for buying right.

I've reminded a number of buyers lately of the scenarios above.  The dangers of searching for a home during these times is that you get tired of the process and end up convincing yourself to buy something that isn't right for you.  Remain patient, do not get frustrated, people will always need to sell homes, and because of the bitter cold winter, your options will greatly increase in the very near future.

For help with getting pre-approved for a loan or starting your search for a home with my mobile app call, email, or text me... I'd be happy to help!

Take care,
Scott Morrison
text: 614-383-8502
scottmorrison@kw.com

Selling Your Home Faster

If you've made the decision to sell your home, that should be exactly what you focus on, SELLING your home.  

I am always amazed when someone talks about wanting to "price it high to see what I can get" despite the research that shows how detrimental this could be.  In today's market, homebuyers have limitless access to information and agents are mostly savvy enough to point out overpriced listings ahead of time.  These factors contribute to buyers steering clear of your home all together.  The first walkthrough is typically online, as is the second.  Then the buyer will research price and other criteria by themselves.  They'll contact their Realtor for an opinion, and then likely go back online again, all before a showing.

Bottom line: If your home is overpriced, there are a lot of opportunities to disqualify your home long before they step inside.  Pricing right is the most important factor when it comes to getting the home sold.  

Pricing your home to sell isn't a game, it's a science (and an inexact one at that).  If you are serious about selling, work with your Realtor to get it right.  And if the price that is recommended isn't something you can do, you aren't ready to sell. 

Take care, 

Scott Morrison

scottmorrison@kw.com