Uncategorized

New buyers can get overwhelmed by the additional expenses incurred during homeownership. Besides making monthly mortgage payments, homeowners may have to pay for gardening, pest control, pool maintenance, plumbing fixes, electrical work and more.

But the good news is that tax time offers homeowners a number of deductions and credits not available to renters. Check with a tax consultant to see if these deductions apply to you.

Private Mortgage Insurance
PMI is the premium you pay every month until your equity equals 20 percent of your homes value. Luckily, these premiums can be deducted from your income.

Mortgage Interest
If you paid more than $600 dollars in mortgage interest during the tax year, every penny you paid is deductible”and that includes interest on a second mortgage.

Local Real Estate Taxes
Some taxpayers overlook the fact that homeowners can deduct local, state and even foreign real estate taxes on their federal returns. Lower-income homeowners may also get special property tax benefits from their state or municipality, so look into further breaks specific to your community.

Losses From Weather, Fire or Theft
While nobody wants a tree to fall on their house or burglars to make off with their flat screen, the IRS grants a break to any property or casualty loss that is more than 10 percent of your gross income and is not reimbursed by your insurance.

Moving Expenses
If you moved 50 miles or more for a new job during the tax year, you can deduct your moving expenses. (Note, that if you started the new job more than a year before purchasing the new home, the moving expenses are not tax deductible.)

Selling Costs
If you sold a home during the tax year, the commission paid to a real estate agent is tax deductible, as are any legal fees and closing costs. Just like home-improvement costs reduce your cost basis, so do your selling costs.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When it comes to luxury real estate, the right home features can make all the difference. With wellness being a topic thats on everyones mind these days, amenities that cater to a healthy and holistic lifestyle have major appeal to homeowners and affluent buyers. If you want your home to facilitate wellness, these four features will provide the utmost relaxation and are sure to please both you in the present and potential buyers in the future.

Outdoor Sauna
The outdoor sauna is an easy addition to the backyard that brings myriad benefits, such as flushing toxins out of the body and improving cardiovascular performance. Of course, you could design a sauna in your house, but theres just something about braving the elements and being transported to a quiet refuge set in nature. If you have a scenic view on your property, just imagine taking it in while cleansing the mind and body.

Plunge Pool
For those who enjoy the restorative properties of hydrotherapy, a plunge pool will have you feeling fresh and energized each day. People often use these small and shallow pools after being in a hot tub, steam room or sauna for a contrast in temperature that rejuvenates the body. The best part is that they can easily be accommodated in the backyard or master bathroom.

Massage Room
Getting a massage is one of the best ways to let go of your daily stress. While its always a treat to be pampered at the spa, nothing beats having the same experience right in the privacy of your own home. For the ultimate in personal wellness, a tranquil massage room is the perfect way to bring your home spa to the next level.

Meditation Studio
Daily meditation can help to promote both mental and physical well-being. Having a designated place to practice is essential to incorporating it into your routine, whether its a pavilion or garden in the backyard or a room in your house thats complete with soothing lights and aromas.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

These days, amenities for the kids arent limited to a playroom and a swing set. Luxury homebuyers are willing to shell out top dollar for exciting features that make their childrens wildest dreams come true. Here are a few exciting amenities that will have you ready to re-live your childhood!

Waterslides
Taking the backyard swimming pool to the next level, some homeowners are equipping their properties with waterslides and lazy rivers that rival the local water park. Often times, these slides are designed as part of a grotto and waterfall that allows for a natural look and creates a true backyard oasis.

Bowling Alleys
Bowling alleys are a favorite luxury amenity because they provide fun for the whole family. Whether youre hosting bowling night or looking for the perfect rainy-day activity, having a bowling lane at home has a wow-factor that everyone can enjoy.

Treehouses
Treehouses dont exactly mean roughing it anymore. For parents who want a place where kids can immerse themselves in nature and have sleepovers with friends, backyard forts are seeing a higher level in craftsmanship and attention to detail than ever before. If youre looking for inspiration or want to hire one of the best treehouse builders in the business, check out Nelson Treehouse.

Game Rooms
Game rooms have gotten a bit more elaborate in recent years, to the point that they can be tough to distinguish from an actual arcade. Parents are outfitting these kid-friendly spaces with foosball, air hockey, Skee-Ball and more to give the children the perfect hangout spot when friends and family are visiting.

In-Ground Trampolines
Whether you put it in the backyard or the rec room, an in-ground trampoline provides a way for the kids to burn some energy while bouncing to their hearts content. If youre looking for an amenity that will light up the little ones eyes, the in-ground trampoline is a growing trend that you should jump on board with.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are just a few reasons why anyone can enjoy living on a vineyard.

The Lifestyle

Producing wine will require extensive time and effort, yet its a labor of love that will ultimately be rewarding.

The Experiences

Having a private vineyard provides you with a very special place for family and close friends to come together for weddings or family reunions.

The Views

Quite simply, its hard to find a better view than one of rolling, vine-covered hills”and this alone is reason enough to want to live on a vineyard.

The Wine

Of course, enjoying the fruits of your labor is quite fun, too.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Most homeowners are bound to use a portable ladder at some point, whether it be for cleaning out the gutters, painting, inspecting the roof or hanging festive holiday decorations. When up on that ladder, though, its important to stay safe and avoid falls.

Every year, thousands of people across the country are treated in emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries. Although you might think you already know how to use a ladder safely, a little refresher couldnt hurt. Check out these 10 tips to help prevent an accident from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

1. Use a ladder that’s the proper length for the job. It should extend a minimum of 3 feet over the roofline or working surface. Never stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.

2. Make sure the ladder can support both your weight and the materials you’re putting on it by checking the ladders maximum load rating. Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.

3. Place your ladder on level and firm ground. It’s also best to have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder.

4. Never place a ladder in front of a door that isn’t locked, blocked or guarded.

5. Because metal ladders can conduct electricity, don’t use them near power lines or electrical equipment. Stick with wood or fiberglass ladders in these situations and use extra caution. No type of ladder should ever touch live electric wires.

6. Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at about a 75-degree angle. To test if you have the correct angle, stand up straight with your toes touching the feet of the ladder as it leans away from you. Extend your arms in front of you. Your palms should touch the top of the rung thats at shoulder level.

7. Check all rung locks and spreader braces on your ladder to make sure they’re set.

8. Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Leaning too far to one side while working is dangerous and can cause you to fall.

9. Only use a ladder for its intended purpose, and follow the ladders instruction labels.

10. When youre done with the ladder, put it away immediately. Never leave a raised ladder unattended.

This brief list doesnt cover everything, but remembering these tips and practicing caution can help keep you safe the next time you need to use a ladder.

Published with permission from RISMedia.