New Homes and Taxes

If this is your first tax season in your new home you’ll be looking forward to some positive effects on your tax return.

Although there were many changes in the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation – deducting mortgage interest is still an option, although only on amounts up to $750,000 in qualified residence loans.  Interest on home equity loans can only be claimed if the loan was used toward home improvements.

This is an important deduction since many other options are off the table with the new changes including restrictions on home offices, theft and property damage and tougher rules on itemized giving deductions.

It is important to find a tax preparer who understand s the new changes to the tax code and can help you maximize the benefits you’ll receive as a homeowner.

What will you plan to do with your tax refund? Do you have any home improvements on the list?

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Spring Yard Prep

As winter winds to a soggy end most of us are looking forward to the arrival of warmer temperatures and spring days!

To help your yard get out of its winter dormancy and ready for the spring growing season here are a few steps you can take.

-        Remove any leaves or debris that might be on your lawn blocking access to sunlight – this can best be achieved by a spring raking

-        Apply a fertilizer

-        Overseed patches of heavy wear and bare spots

-        Use a preemergent weed killer to prevent seeds of problem weeds from germinating

Following these few steps can help ensure a beautiful and lush spring lawn.  What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy the Spring season?

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Defining spaces in open concept homes

For years now the trend in home design has been towards open concept homes and there seems to be no end in sight for this type of home layout.

While open concept homes have their benefits such as increased light, easier flow and the ability to make a home feel larger than it is, there are some drawbacks – mainly in attempting to define the spaces in your home.

How can you distinguish your living room from your eating area? Your den from the study?

Here are a few ideas:

-        Flooring – Use changes in flooring as a way to distinguish between rooms. This may come in the use of area rugs or choosing hardwood over carpet

-        Lighting – Areas such as the dining space can take advantage of more dramatic lighting to set the tone for the room

-        Paint – Use different paint colors to distinguish between rooms – fun and playful for the kids space or formal for the sitting area

-        Furniture – Arrange your furniture in such a way that it creates cozy spaces. Sectionals can create a built in sitting area. Use sofa tables to transition from the living area to eat-in-kitchen

What creative ways have you used to define the space in your open concept home?

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Conserve Energy This Winter

The groundhog’s prediction could turn this around but for the time being more cold temperatures are forecasted to be on their way.  So what can you do besides crank up the heat? Here are a few ways to save money and stay warm!

1.     Keep your filters clean! Your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard if the filters allow it to function properly.

2.     Make use of a programmable thermostat or manually adjust the temperature to be cooler while you’re away.

3.     Keep your blinds or curtains on south facing windows open to let in some warmth from the sun.

4.     Dress in layers and be sure to always wear socks – or invest in some good cozy slippers!

5.     Heat only the rooms your are in. Close doors or vents for rooms that you don’t use.

With these easy energy saving tips you can save money and stay warm this winter.

What tips do you use to keep utility costs low in the winter?

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More Reasons to Buy a Brand New Home

There are so many reasons to buy a brand new home instead of a home that has been previously been lived in.

There may be a few you haven’t considered such as…

Living free of concerns about home repairs for at least a year. Your builders warranty provides peace of mind that you won’t spend the first year of your homeownership making repairs and fixing old materials. This frees up time and money!

You can choose the floorplan that works best for your family.  Look for number of bedrooms or common living space. Have more control over the type of home you really want.

New homes are built to the latest building codes which help to make homes safe and healthier.  New homes are made without harmful toxins such as lead or asbestos.

The latest construction techniques and building materials make for a more energy efficient home – making you more comfortable and saving you money each month on utility costs.

These are just a few of the benefits to buying a brand new home.  What are your reasons?

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2019 Color of the Year

Pantone’s color of the year has been announced and this year the prestigious title goes to “Living Coral” described as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone”.

The choice of the vibrant color is in response to our ever increasing dependence on technology by providing a humanizing and lively presence.

Pantone’s color of the year choices have been influencing products and design for 20 years.  Selections are determined based on worldwide color influences.

So how can you include this new hue in your home décor?

It’s bright and tropical feel make for great accents including pillows, throws, in window coverings or woven through rugs.

Spice up your kitchen with Living Coral inspired dishes and serving ware.

Put a coral blanket overtop a white duvet to brighten up and set the stage for a cheery guest room.

How will you incorporate the 2019 color of the year in your home?

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New Year’s Resolutions for the Homeowner

You may have already made – and broken – your 2019 New Year’s Resolutions but have you ever considered making them for your home?  Here are a few ideas for rejuvenating and renewing your home this year.

1.     Declutter – Enjoy your home more by being able to really see it. Get rid of the things you don’t need, especially if you haven’t used it in the last year.

2.     Save Money and Save Energy – Unplug appliances that aren’t being used and turn off lights when not in the room. Switch to LED light bulbs and low flow faucets.

3.     Stay Safe and Healthy – Change out your smoke detector batteries and air filters.  Consider investing in a air purification system or just some nice live plants.

4.     Update Your Look – Take advantage of new year home sales to freshen up your home with new rugs, curtains or bath towels. Small changes can make a big difference.

5.     Relax – Make a space where you can unwind. Your master bath, a nook in the bonus room or hideaway on the back porch. Find a place where you can enjoy your home and appreciate all the blessings of this new year.

What are your homeowner resolutions this year?

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