Tax Benefits for Homeowners

Being a homeowner has a lot of perks - especially at tax time.  Homeowners are eligible for several tax breaks that may ease your payments due to Uncle Same. Talk with your tax preparer to see if you are eligible for any of the following homeowner tax write-offs.

- Deduct your monthly interest payments - the majority of your monthly mortgage payment

- Paying for mortgage points

- Did you relocate for a job more than 50 miles away? You can write-off some of your moving expenses.

- Sell a home so you could move into a new one? Ask about tax breaks related to selling costs!

- Deduct the amount spent on annual property taxes

- Did you make any modifications to your home to make it more energy efficient? Those costs may be deductible too!

Owning a home may make your tax filing process a little more complicated - but it's worth it! Talk with your tax professional to make sure you get all the tax benefits from owning a home!

Sell Faster with Staging

Looking to sell your home so you can move into your brand new Paradime Construction home?? Staging can make all the difference! It's important to make your home appealing to a wide variety of buyers and little things can make a big impression!

- Think neutral: While your taste may lean more towards bright colors and splashy prints - try to tone it down so potential buyers can picture their style in your home

- Make your home less personal by removing family photos or children's artwork

- Declutter your space to make rooms look bigger and help the eye move more easily around the room

- Bring in natural light! Open your blinds, pull back shades and lighten up the heavy drapery

- Keep scents from being overwhelming. Allergies or sensitivities make lighting a bunch of candles or artificial scents a no-no. Do keep your house clean and avoid cooking before a showing.

- Clean, clean, clean! Help home shoppers see your home for what it really is - without the mess!

- Take photos of your home and look at them from the perspective of a possible buyer. What would make you take a second look?  What might be a distraction or take away from the appeal of your home?

What tips do you have for staging your current home?

Adding Warmth to the Home

The Groundhog's prediction is in and he's calling for 6 more weeks of winter!  Don't be discouraged! Use this opportunity to create warmth in your home with the following fun and cozy ideas!

1. Layer with blankets. Add cozy throw blankets and quilts on chairs and the end of your bed. They give a warm look to the home while being practical at the same time!

2.  Use candles to light up winter nights. Group together and cover in a glass vase to reflect the light.

3.  Bring touches of nature inside with winter flowers, rocks, branches or potted plants.

4.  Fluff up the pillows!  Bring out the pillows and layer for an extra cozy look.

5.  Add drapes or window coverings to warm up the look of your home and keep the cold drafts out.

What do you do to warm up your home during the winter?

Tasty Valentine Treats!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! If you're looking for some fun treats to make as a family that don't require hours in the kitchen we can help!

Sugar Cookie Hearts

Store bought sugar cookie dough shaped into hearts then decorated with red and pink sprinkles. Stick in a popsicle stick before baking for an easy to eat treat!

Raspberry Trifles

This show stopper of a dessert looks like it took hours to make! Simply layer graham cracker crumbs, vanilla pudding and raspberries for a delicious and beautiful treat! Top with whip cream!

Sweet and Salty Pretzel Treats

Dip pretzels in icing and decorate with all of your favorite Valentine sprinkles and sugars! Yum!

Pantone Color of the Year

The 2017 Pantone Color of the Year is "Greenery" - a yellow-green shade that brings the beauty of nature in.

Greenery is a color that can be used in all seasons and pairs well as a neutral.  For example, Pantone put together several palettes that can be used both indoor and out.



Aren't ready to take the plunge and pull out the paint brushes?

Incorporate Greenery by using pillows, rugs, window treatments or accent chairs.

Selling Your Home?

Despite the above average temperatures it still is January here in the South.  If you need to sell your home, the dead grass, bare trees and dark evenings may have you concerned.  There is good news though!  Here are a few tips to help you sell quickly so you can move on to your dream home!

- Price Competitively:  Look at comparables and make a decision based on what has sold within the last 3 months.

- Curb Appeal: Brighten up your home's exterior with some winter friendly plants and landscaping.

- Declutter: Make sure any seasonal decorations are put away, remove too many personal items and create a clean, neutral palette in the home.

- Paint: If your home needs a new color scheme - choose a neutral such as an off-white to make the home feel brighter in the dark winter months.

- Interior Touches: Make sure your home is well lit and warm! Add a cozy blanket on the couch.  Focus on the rooms that you spend the most time in - kitchen and master bath especially.

Don't worry! There are buyers in the winter and now is the time to sell before it gets too competitive in the Spring.

Preparing for Winter Weather

The South is often a target of sarcasm when it comes to preparing for potential winter weather. And though there may or may not be actual snowflakes - it is always wise to be prepared for weather events of any kind. Including snow!

So how should you prepare?

Here are a few practical ways:

- Prevent pipes from bursting by wrapping exposed pipe with insulation or newspaper.
- Allow faucets to drip a little during extreme cold to prevent freezing
- Bring pets indoors and cover plants
- Limit travel when roadways may be icy
- Have emergency supplies for power outages such as candles, matches, blankets
- Fully charge phones or other electronic devices
- Never use an outdoor heating device or generator in an indoor space
- Have bottled water and canned goods in your pantry
- In case of loss of heat, have blankets and layered clothing easily available

The best thing to do is plan for a cozy day at home - off the roads and away from harm.

Enjoy the winter weather responsibly and safely!