things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024

5 Things for Home Buyers and Sellers to Consider in 2024

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Does 2024 include a big move for you? From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, here’s a list of five things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024 to better prepare them for the real estate journey ahead.

Interest and mortgage rates.

It’s always a good idea for potential home buyers and sellers to keep an eye on interest and mortgage rates. Since October 2023, mortgage rates have begun to steadily decline from 8% to 7–6%. But rates will most likely remain volatile.

Experts suggest paying attention to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions for a hint at where mortgage rates are going in 2024. 

The long-term value of owning a home. 

Homeownership is one of the most reliable and quickest ways to build wealth for a variety of reasons. First of all, it stabilizes a homeowner’s housing expenses with fixed monthly payments. Second of all, as you continue to pay off your mortgage loan, you build equity in the home.

Hence, you add value to your net worth.

Think about what you need versus what you would like. 

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you’ve done it before, figuring out your needs versus what you want helps you narrow your search. And, from there, you can begin adding on those wants. 

Industry experts have predicted that a few of those key features for 2024 include sustainability, luxury amenities and seamless outdoor-indoor living spaces. 

Calculate your budget. 

Knowing your budget is not a new idea, but it remains one of the top things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024. In general, designating about 25% of your net income toward a mortgage payment is a good rule of thumb. 

It’s a good idea to work with your local Realtor or mortgage lender to help calculate your budget. 

Working with an experienced local Realtor. 

Finally, when it comes to things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024, working with a knowledgeable local expert is key. In terms of finding the right Realtor for you, talk to a few different Realtors. Ask them questions, read their reviews and ask about their rates and fees, for example.

If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to finding a Realtor in Lee County, our member search offers a listing of Realtors, real estate offices, affiliates and more. 

Summary

A new year goes hand-in-hand with new possibilities and opportunities, and that includes investing in real estate. Become more familiar with our local market and the opportunities ahead by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, where we share local statistics, insights and more. For more buying and selling tips, local news and trends, continue to read our blogs. 

summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners

9 Summer Energy Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

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Finally! We can officially say it’s summer. In fact, today is the longest day of the year, offering some of us more than 12 hours of sunlight! That’s why we’re sharing these nine summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners that are sure to help you stay cool all season long.

Some of the summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners below are free and can be applied each day, while others are inexpensive ways to help keep energy affordable.

Use window coverings.

Window coverings can be used to keep heat out during the day. In fact, certain materials and styles may even improve energy efficiency in your home.

Put fans to work.

Use ceiling fans and electric fans to circulate cool air around the room. But remember to turn them off if you leave the room for more cost savings in the long run.

Bathroom fans, for example, help draw out heat and humidity, so turn them on when you are taking a shower.

Operate your thermostat efficiently.

You may be tempted to set your thermostat to a cool setting and just leave it there. However, setting it to a comfortable temperature while you are home and setting it to a slightly higher temperature when you are away is a good way to lower your energy bill.

Generally, the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the cooling bill.

Add shade around your home.

Create shade around your home to help combat the heat during the day. This could include natural elements, such as trees and shrubs, along with decorative elements like awnings.

Swap out the light bulbs.

If you haven’t done this already, there’s no better time! Switch all your light bulbs to LED bulbs. They keep rooms cooler than options like incandescent bulbs, for instance.

Consider rearranging lamps and TVs.

Here’s one of the summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners you may not consider. Did you know items such as lamps, TVs and computers generate heat?

If these or other hot appliances are too close to your thermostat, it can sense the heat, making it think the room is warmer than it actually is.

Change the air filters.

Another easy way to keep your energy bill lower is to regularly change your HVAC filters. It’s also a good idea to vacuum the air intake vents to help reduce dust and buildup.

Take advantage of the breeze.

If there is a cool breeze, use it to your advantage. Leave doors open, apply cross ventilation and use other techniques to circulate the air throughout your home.

Cook outside.

Do you need another excuse to barbecue? Limit the use of your oven and stovetop by grilling outdoors more this summer. You can also opt for lighter, healthier meals that don’t require much cooking.

Summary

Last but not least, talk to your local Realtor about other ways to make your home more energy-efficient. Think of us as your local, friendly experts that love to share helpful knowledge! You can find more helpful tips for homeowners, plus local real estate trends, when you continue to read our blogs.

potential homeowner tax breaks for 2022

5 Potential Homeowner Tax Breaks for 2022

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The due date for taxes is April 18, 2023. But before you file, be sure you are aware of the tax perks of homeownership. Check out these five potential homeowner tax breaks for 2022.

Mortgage interest 

The mortgage interest deduction is an itemized deduction. This means that for it to work in your favor, all your itemized deductions need to be greater than the standard deduction.

Note that for the 2022 tax year, those standard deduction amounts increased. For individuals, this deduction is now $12,950, and for married couples filing jointly, it is now $25,900. For the head of household, this deduction went up to $19,400. And if you are 65 or older, you can add on an extra $1,400 per person if you are married and filing jointly or an extra $1,750 if you are a single filer.

And remember—the more recent your mortgage, the greater your tax savings will be.

Property taxes

Property taxes are on that itemized list of all your deductions that must add up to more than your standard deduction.

Taxpayers can take one $10,000 deduction. This deduction is capped at $10,000 for those who are married and filing jointly.

Note: If you have a mortgage, your property taxes are built into your monthly payment.

Interest on a home equity line of credit

If you have a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, the interest you pay on that loan is deductible only if that loan is used specifically to “buy, build or improve a property.”

Essentially, you will have some cash if your home needs repairs or upgrades. But you cannot use that money for things such as weddings or college tuition.

You can deduct up to the $750,000 cap—this is for the amount you pay in interest on your HELOC and mortgage combined. But note, if you took out a HELOC before the new 2018 tax plan for anything other than improvements to your home, you cannot deduct the interest.

Home offices

Are you self-employed, with your home office being your principal place of work? Good news! You can deduct $5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet, of office space. The maximum deduction your home office can receive is $1,500.

For those taking this deduction, know that there are very strict rules on what constitutes fully-deductible home office space.

In addition, understand that if you are still working remotely, you are still a W-2 employee and are not eligible for this deduction under the CARES Act.

Home improvements

To receive the home improvement tax break, your improvements have to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

Deductible improvements can include widening doorways, lowering cabinets, fixing electrical or adding stairlifts. For some homeowners who plan to add renovations such as wheelchair ramps and grab bars in the bathrooms, for example, the cost of improvements can result in a nice tax break.

You will need a letter from your doctor to prove that these changes were medically necessary.

Summary

Be sure you keep these potential homeowner tax breaks for 2022 in mind when filing your taxes in 2023. These breaks and homeownership tax perks can save you money!

Finally, continue reading our blogs for more real estate tips and news.

winter maintenance tips for homeowners

9 Winter Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

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If you are looking for things to do around the house over the Thanksgiving holiday, look no further. Our list of winter maintenance tips for homeowners can act as your to-do list for cold-weather prep!

Do a property walk-about.

Walk around your home and inspect it. Look for small cracks and openings in the foundation. Seal them yourself if possible. If not, reach out to a professional.

Also, check for other potential air leaks around windows, doors and ventilation pipes.

Check your roof.

Make sure to check your roof for any loose shingles that could allow water and moisture to seep into your home. Replace shingles as needed. Don’t forget to check the seal around your chimney as well.

Clean and inspect your gutters.

Fall is messy! Leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters. Keep water flowing away from your home by keeping your gutters clean.

Look for ailing tree limbs.

Strong winds during winter storms could be dangerous to both people and properties if a tree branch snaps. If you see weak or dead limbs, contact a professional tree removal service.

Repair patios and pavers.

If you have loose pavers or stones on your patio, try to fix them before the first freeze.

Winter will only make it worse thanks to what is known as “frost heave.” Basically, it’s when the soil pushes the stone farther out of place.

Protect your pipes.

You can find pipe insulation at local hardware stores and do this money-saver on your own. Put it around pipes under sinks, in crawl spaces and attics, outside and so on.

Insulate your attic and crawl space.

Proper insulation goes a long way. It may cost a little up front whether you opt for a service, or you buy materials and do it yourself.

Add protection to your windows.

As far as winter maintenance tips for homeowners, this one has options. First, you can store your screens and install storm windows.

Or you can hang curtains. Then there’s the option to add caulk or weather stripping to windows as needed. Whatever you choose, adding an extra barrier to your windows is a good idea.

Inspect furnaces and fireplaces.

In fact, your furnace and fireplace should both be inspected annually. This ensures they are safe and working efficiently.

Summary

Finally, reach out to your local utility company and request a home energy assessment. Their assessment might provide additional winter maintenance tips for homeowners that will help save more energy and money! For more homeowning tips and other real estate news, keep reading our blogs.

 

the pros and cons of renting a home

The Pros and Cons of Renting a Home

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Renting is often the first step before home ownership. But when is it time to make a move to buy instead of signing another lease? The pros and cons of renting a home may help you decide.

The Pros

Maybe you just graduated from college. Perhaps you just moved to town. Regardless of the why, looking at the pros and cons of renting might help you see the big picture. Let’s start with the pros of renting:

  • Limited responsibility. As a renter, if something breaks or needs repairing, you tell the landlord who in turn handles the expenses and the repairs.
  • Renting can be budget friendly. To clarify, renters know exactly what they owe each month without the worry of unexpected home repair expenses. This helps you plan and stick to a budget.
  • No down payment. Not having to cough up a large lump sum of money for a down payment is one of the pros of renting a home that’s hard to argue with!
  • More flexibility and freedom. For example, renting offers the comfort of being able to make a quick move if needed. Leases typically range from 12-months to 24-months but can be month-to-month for a higher cost.
  • Good for anyone who travels a lot. For those who travel often, renting allows them to do so easily without the worry of property management.

The Cons

Now, it’s time for the flip side.

  • Not building home equity. Oftentimes, people say renting is throwing money away. While that is not exactly true (as you are paying for a home whether it’s rent or a mortgage) what they mean by that is when you rent, the home is not your asset. When you pay mortgage toward home ownership, you are building valuable equity.
  • No tax benefits. Simply put, there are no tax benefits to renting.
  • Lack of stability. When renting, the landlord can increase the rent at any time. Moreover, you could be evicted at any time and not necessarily with much notice.
  • Less opportunity for customization. When it comes to picking a new paint color for the walls or making any aesthetic change, renters usually need the landlord’s approval. On top of that, often restrictions imposed by the landlord or property management company will make any allowable changes limited.
  • Bound by the terms in the lease agreement. You are obligated to keep the terms of the signed agreement. That could even mean restrictions like no pets!

Summary

If you are struggling to decide what’s best for you and your current situation, these pros and cons of renting home may help make the decision easier. Thinking it’s time to buy? Reach out to a trusted local Realtor for guidance!

Looking for more real estate news, trends and advice? Keep reading our blogs!

benefits of owning a home

6 Benefits of Owning a Home

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Owning a home has many benefits, from building equity to having the peace of mind of knowing that where you live is yours and yours alone. The Lee County Association of Realtors has compiled a list of benefits of owning a home. Then, when you decide that you want to buy, we’ll also assist you in finding your new place!

The benefits of buying a home

For many, buying a home stands out as the ultimate dream. If you’re considering that option, here are some of the pros!

Building equity

Buying a home is an investment—with the idea that hopefully your house will appreciate in value over time. This leaves you with added value if or when you decide to sell. In other words, buying a home gives you a way to get a return on your investment.

When paying a mortgage, think about it as contributing back to your own investment, as opposed to paying rent, which is not an investment in anything you own.

Opportunity to tap into your investment

As an investment, owning a home gives you ways to tap into your equity should you need it. This could be in the form of a home equity loan, refinance, home equity line of credit or reverse mortgage.

Improving your credit score

Staying in line with the financial benefits of buying a home, doing so can help improve your credit score. This is especially important if you don’t already have much of an existing credit history. A well-managed mortgage can drive up your credit score by showing that you’re a responsible borrower.

Control over customization

Among the benefits of owning a home is the opportunity to make home repairs, upgrades and customization at your discretion without interference from a rental company.

Want to hang up a painting using nails? Thinking of repainting? Or do you want to redo the kitchen? When you own a home, the sky’s the limit as to how you customize it!

Lower costs over time

If you live in a rental, your rent may increase over time at the discretion of the leasing company. However, when you buy a home and put down a fair down payment, you may actually be paying less over time to live there than you would with a rental—especially if you have a fixed-rate mortgage.

Peace of mind

Owning a home is a gratifying experience that provides you peace of mind each and every day. Your home is yours—and no one else’s!

Summary

When it comes to home ownership, the Lee County Association of Realtors is here to assist you every step of the way. We are a team of experienced Realtors ready to help! So, contact us here to get started! Finally, for more tips and guidance, check out our blog.

benefits of working with a REALTOR®

9 Benefits of Working with a REALTOR®

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Let’s start with honesty. Honestly, real estate may seem simple on the surface, but once you dive in, you realize it gets deep. These nine benefits of working with a REALTOR® may help you avoid getting in over your head!

Honest, ethical conduct.

REALTORS® are licensed professionals. As members of the National Association of REALTORS®, each REALTOR® must abide by a strict code of ethics. To summarize, expect transparent and fair treatment in all transaction-related dealings.

Additionally, your interests come first and foremost.

Objective information and input.

First of all, clients working with REALTORS® will receive non-biased, factual information on properties. REALTORS® can provide information on schools, zoning, utilities and more.

In fact, when it comes to the benefits of working with a REALTOR®, having access to their data as a resource is a huge! After all, you are making a life-changing decision—so having all the facts possible is a strong advantage.

A network of vendors.

Why waste time searching for and vetting an endless list of potential vendors? REALTORS® can easily provide you with a list of respected professionals. This includes contractors, repair professionals, staging companies, photographers, appraisers and so on.

Increased search power.

Along the lines of more data, working with a REALTOR® gives clients the ability to review the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a tool used by REALTORS® to list homes and find others on the market.

Often, there are properties available on the MLS that are not listed anywhere else.

Current know-how.

Rules and regulations change. When you work with a licensed REALTOR®, you can count on their up-to-date knowledge.

Expert local market advice.

Local REALTORS® know the local market better than anyone. They will know what is hot and what is not. To clarify, they can tell you to yay or nay when it comes to national trends versus what is selling locally.

Gain an expert negotiator.

The benefits of working with a REALTOR® keep getting better! Knowing you have a professional advocate looking at all angles centered on your best interests is worth its weight in gold.

Emotional support.

Perhaps one of the more underestimated benefits to working with a REALTOR® is the emotional support. Again, they are objective bystanders who get the gravity of what is inevitably an emotional situation.

They will provide an ear to listen as you work together through the in-depth process.

Expert guidance.

Finally, we saved the best for last. Working with REALTORS® ensures you receive expert guidance every step of the way!

Summary

If you weren’t sure about the benefits of working with a REALTOR®, hopefully this sheds some light! We are also here to answer any questions you may still have. Each and every member of LCAR is capable of handling any and all of your real estate needs. To find out more about us, our members and local real estate news, keep reading our blogs!