7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at http://rem.ax/XBzyZD

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

It's Your Move

The days of bribing friends and family to help you move are probably long gone.  But getting help isn’t necessarily any easier – finding a good, reliable moving company that can get the job done right takes careful research.  Before you hire any moving company, do a little legwork to make sure it’s legit, in your price range and offers the services you need.  USA.gov, Relocation.com and ApartmentGuide.com offer the following tips.

First, find out some details about the company.  Does it have an operating license?  Check with your local state authority or the Department of Transportation, depending on whether it’s an in-state or interstate move.  Does the company carry insurance, and what are the limits?

Also investigate the company’s track record.  Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, and ask the company for references you can contact.  Repeat customers who do business with the company can be some of the best referrals.

Get estimates from several companies to compare rates, and only consider those estimates that fall within the appropriate range.  Also, find out exactly what’s included in the quote (packing materials such as tape and extra boxes aren’t always included).  Low quotes could ultimately mean paying more money after the move, since some companies don’t itemize what others include in the estimate.

Be prepared for questions moving companies will ask you.  What is your time frame?  How far will you be moving?  If you rent, do you have renter’s insurance, and what does it cover?  Will you need moving insurance or packaging services?  Where will the moving truck park?  Are there stairs or elevators?  By preparing yourself ahead of time, you can make that stressful move go a lot smoother.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475 

Drain Trust

Spring is prime time for house cleaning and maintenance, which should include careful cleaning of gutters.  Although they’re designed to act as a drain and protect your home, they often get clogged with leaves and water.  They should be cleaned twice a year.  To get started, consider these steps from Lowes.

First, clean the downspout.  Set a ladder on the side of the house where the gutter starts and where most leaves and twigs get trapped.  With gloves and a towel, remove the debris and let it fall in a bucket.  Move the ladder down the gutter and repeat the process.

Check all gutters for holes, leaks, dents and other features that may need repairs.  If your hangers are loose, tighten them or replace them if they seem damaged.  Sagging gutters are an indication that the hangers are too loose.

After you’ve covered the perimeter and have removed most of the debris, spray the gutter with a garden hose to rid any remaining debris.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make your own window cleaner by mixing equal parts white vinegar and warm water.  The vinegar eliminates window streaks and smudges on glass surfaces.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner  
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR, MDI
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475