Thursday, March 14, 2013
HouseLogic Helps Homeowners Get the Tax Breaks They're Due
Tax season is underway, and homeowners gearing up to meet the April 15 filing deadline can find the tax tips and insights they need at HouseLogic.com, the award-winning comprehensive website for homeowners from the National Association of Realtors®.
HouseLogic’s “Homeowner’s Guide to Taxes” can help filers take advantage of the tax benefits that come with homeownership while avoiding common home-related tax mistakes.
“From the mortgage interest deduction to energy tax credits, many homeowners can take advantage of a variety of tax strategies that can lower their tax bill,” said Pamela Kabati, NAR senior vice president of communications and HouseLogic spokesperson. “For example, a family who bought a home last year with a $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 4.5 percent, could save nearly $3,500 in federal taxes when they file this year.”
HouseLogic also offers tips to keep homeowners from making unnecessary mistakes on their taxes. “9 Easy Mistakes Home Owners Make on Their Taxes” identifies common errors like deducting the wrong year for property taxes, confusing the escrow amount for actual property taxes paid, and neglecting to take the private mortgage insurance deduction.
Homeowners who make certain energy-efficient home improvements may be eligible for certain tax credits, and owners who had a portion of their mortgage forgiven as part of a workout plan, short sale, or foreclosure don’t have to pay income tax on the forgiven debt, provided the mortgage was secured by a principal residence and the total amount of the outstanding debt is not more than the original purchase price plus improvements.
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--- Bryan Vogt RE/MAX Preferred (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:41 AM
The New Normal In Real Estate Search Practices
More people than ever are using the Internet to search for their next home. A joint study from NAR and Google revealed that real estate-related Google searches grew 253 percent over the past four years. The study, The Digital House Hunt: Consumer and Market Trends in Real Estate, focuses on the connection between consumer Internet use and online home searches and shopping patterns.
The analysis shows buyers tend to rely on search engines and general websites in the beginning of the process, use maps in the middle, and mobile applications toward the end of their search. First-time buyers typically searched terms like “FHA loan,” “FHA,” “home grants,” “home loan,” and “home buyer assistance.”
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--- Bryan Vogt RE/MAX Preferred (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:38 AM
US Home Prices Rose by Most in Nearly 7 Years
By AP / Christopher S. RugaberMarch 05, 20130
WASHINGTON — U.S. home prices jumped in January, a sign the housing market is gaining momentum as it nears the spring selling season.
Home prices rose 9.7 percent in January from a year ago, according to data released Tuesday by CoreLogic. That’s up from an 8.3 percent increase in December and the biggest annual gain since April 2006.
Prices rose in all states except Delaware and Illinois. And prices increased in 92 of the 100 largest metro areas, up from 87 in December.
Home prices also rose 0.7 percent in January from December. That’s a solid increase given that sales usually slow over the winter months.
Rising demand combined with fewer available homes is pushing up prices. Sales of previously owned homes ticked up in January after rising to their highest level in five years in 2012, according to the National Association of Realtors. At the same time, inventories of homes for sale fell to a 13-year low.
The states with the biggest price gains were Arizona, where prices rose 20.1 percent, followed by Nevada, with 17.4 percent, and Idaho, with 14.9 percent. California and Hawaii rose 14.1 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
The cities with the biggest gains were Phoenix, Los Angeles, Riverside, Calif., New York, and Atlanta.
Nationwide, home values were still down more than 26 percent from their peak in April 2006 through January, CoreLogic said. But in some states prices have recovered a lot of lost ground. In 15 states, home prices are within 10 percent of their peak values, CoreLogic said.
There have been other recent signs that the housing market is going strong. A measure of the number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose in January from December to the highest level in more than 2 ½ years. That suggests sales of previously occupied homes will keep rising in the coming months.
Steady increases in prices help fuel the housing recovery. They encourage some homeowners to sell homes and entice some would-be buyers to purchase homes before prices rise further.
Higher prices can also make homeowners feel wealthier. That can encourage more consumer spending, which drives 70 percent of the U.S. economy.
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--- Bryan Vogt RE/MAX Preferred (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:31 AM
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Troy, Il 3 Bedroom Ranch Home
New Listing MLS#4108223
436 Orchard Ct, Troy, Il 62294
Move into this three bedroom, two bath home close to the park! It has been freshly painted, has a new hot water heater and furnace and new lighting. The full, newly finished basement gives you a lot of extra space and there is a fenced back yard with no neighbors behind you. The owners are continuing to make more changes to this ranch home but it is in move in condition. You are going to like what you see.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:48 AM
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Swansea Illinois Ranch Home 3 Bedroom 2 bath
101 Huntwood Ct, Swansea, Il
MLS# 4106728 $150,000
Step into this great, home in the Wolf Branch school district. It has been freshly painted and has new carpeting. A fireplace with a brick surround can make things cozy on those cold winter evenings and skylight let in a lot of natural light. The bathrooms have been updated along with 42” cabinets. The kitchen has new countertops, new back splash, and a pantry. There is a large master bedroom with a large walk-in closet. The roof is newer and the garage has been finished with drywall. There is also a nice sized fenced backyard for all of your outside activities.
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:51 PM
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Brick Ranch 142 Marilyn Dr, Swansea Il
Beautifull Maintained Ranch Home 142 Marilyn Dr, Swansea, Il
MLS#4106222 $107,500
 Come in to see this beautifully maintained, brick ranch home! It has a wonderful, open floorplan , and a full bath off the master bedroom. The family room addition has a fireplace with an antique mantle that would be cozy on a cold winter evening. The HVAC system and the roof have been replaced in the past five years. There is an oversized side entry garage and a large(19x18) outbuilding with electric that will give you plenty of storage or make a good area for some special activity such as a craft room or man cave.
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 12:21 PM
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
3 bedroom Ranch Home in Belleville, Il
MLS# 4015330 $98,000
101 N 81st Street, Belleville, Il 62223
You will love this ranch home situated on a corner, wooded lot (3 parcels). The large living room with beautiful wood floors has great windows that let in a lot of natural light. It flows into the dining room with ceramic floors and continues to the kitchen .The kitchen has oak cabinets, smooth-top cooktop stove, double oven, built-in microwave, breakfast bar, and ceramic floors. French doors lead to the family room and the master bedroom. Patios allow you to entertain family and/or friends in the fenced backyard.
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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:13 PM
Thursday, December 08, 2011
New Home Staging Tips That Will Sell Your House
Step 2 to Home Stage and Sell Your House - De-Clutter
The buyer does not appreciate your souvenirs, family portraits and hobbies, charming as they are, because the buyer has a different lifestyle. Your personal items only make the buyers uncomfortable in your house. All small items that are not necessary for your day-to-day life must be stored away. All clutter goes out the door, to be trashed, recycled, donated or stored off-site.
Most rooms have too much furniture. Now is the time to remove raggedy chairs and rundown pieces. Most rooms also have too many pictures on the walls. Gun cases, hunting trophies, political items, rock and roll posters, black lights, religious statues and ethnic pieces will disturb the buyers. Unusual, eccentric and eclectic art should be stored away. Buy a few small pictures with neutral subjects, the kind of thing you’d find in a hotel room. This is not the time to show off your sophisticated taste.
In the bathroom, put all clothing and personal items out of sight. Home stagers recommend that you remove the bath mat and the toilet seat cover. Take down those hanging shelves in the shower. Instead, display a matching set of luxurious white towels.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 11:04 AM
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
New Home Staging Tips That Will Sell Your House
Why Should I Try Home Staging to Sell My House
The average homebuyer is 32 years old, but the average home seller is 57 years old. The perfect buyers for your house are likely to be younger than you. To their eyes, your classic, timeless furniture looks dated and fusty. You need to update, so that your home doesn’t look tired and rundown. Home Stagers call it being “on-trend” with an up-to-date, stylish look. The purpose of staging is to make your house memorable for its positive qualities, not its negative ones. Unusual exterior paint colors, faded paint, an avid collection of modern art will spoil the impression your house makes. The buyer will not overlook the negatives the way you do. Styles have changed since you hung those ruffled curtains and bought the over-sized recliner chair. The buyers in their hearts want what all their friends have, only a little bit better. Staging brings your house closer to that ideal. The buyer will notice, first and foremost, the updated and stylish floors and carpets. Next the buyer sees freshly painted walls. Probably next, the buyer pays attention to organized, adequate storage space.
Step 1 to Home Stage and Sell Your House - Cleaning
Approach cleaning first. Give each room, kitchen, bathroom, attic, basement and garage for the white-glove test. When the buyers notice that a home is spotless, they conclude that the home is also well-maintained. Plan on having pets and pet boxes out of the house when the buyer comes shopping. Clean the windows until they sparkle. Crack open several windows for a fresh natural fragrance, even though the furnace or air conditioner is running. Cleaning even applies to scrubbing the hot water heater, sidewalks, the garage floor and the shingle roof, too.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:29 PM
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
HOME STAGING TO SELL YOUR HOME
New Home Staging Tips That Will Sell Your House
You Can Do It Yourself
Home stagers know what buyers want when they walk into your house. By staging your house, you can get attract more buyers, get a better price for your home, sell it quicker and sell it with less hassle. Staging your property gives you a marketing edge. The essentials of staging can be do-it-yourself projects. There are four steps to get your property ready for sale. Here is an outline for your project list. 1. Clean, 2. De-clutter, 3. Repair and Replace 4. Showcase the best features.
Home staging is a fact of the real estate marketplace. Buyers do lots of comparison shopping and expect a well-presented home. Your home is competing with other well-staged houses for sale. The first step to a successful sale is to stop thinking of the house as your home. It is a property on the market, soon to be the home of someone else. Say goodbye to nostalgia, memories, and sentimentality. You want the buyer to fall in love with the house, which means that they can see themselves living happily and comfortably in your property. Part of staging is to suggest the lifestyle that comes with the house. Your planning is important. Buyers take less than ten minutes to tour your house, and in that time they will make the decision to buy or not to buy. Some real estate agents say they can predict who will buy the house when they enter the front door. Stage your house even before you list it, so that the real estate agent knows how salable it will be.
HOME STAGING A HOUSE IS DIFFERENT FROM DECORATING
Home staging is not decorating. You decorate a house to live there. You stage a house to sell it. Decorating is an expression of your personal style and taste. Staging creates an environment that appeal to the typical buyer, in a public style. It is an essential expense, rather than optional, discretionary decorating. .Staging removes your personal style from the equation and turns your house into a welcoming, appealing and attractive product for sale. Every dollar spent on staging will return to you threefold at closing.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:26 AM
Friday, November 18, 2011
Holiday Events In Belleville Illinois
Monday, November 07, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #8
Don't Be a Draft Dodger – Seal Instead
At some point we've all felt it: Older and historic homes can be drafty. Luckily, there are easy ways to detect and seal holes and gaps throughout your home. Take advantage of the next cold and/or windy day by going hunting for draft-causing leaks and holes. Consider the smoke test: Use a lit incense stick and note where the smoke travels. If it goes horizontal, you've probably located a source of a leak. Know that the primary culprits are usually ductwork and holes in the attic, around pipes, and at electrical outlets. For even better draft prevention, use weatherstripping along doors and windows to block out the cold and to form tight fitting bonds.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:53 AM
Friday, November 04, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #7
Reuse Rather than Replace Windows
Thinking about replacing your windows? You might want to rethink your options. Windows are an easy target and are all too often blamed for energy loss. However, only 10-25% of energy loss actually comes from windows. People commonly jump to replace their historic windows because companies promise that their replacement windows will save them time and money, and that their products and services are the "green" thing to do. In fact, a thriving industry has grown around the perceived need to consume and replace rather than to reuse. However, your old windows are probably more cost effective than they appear. Many windows that have been on the job for 50 or 100 years can continue to do so when maintained, weatherstripped, and combined with a storm window.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 1:54 PM
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #6
Check Your Systems Early and Often
It's not unreasonable to want to feel comfortable in your home in the winter without freezing or having to wear multiple layers of clothing. Your older or historic building is going to operate differently than a modern building, so you should take deliberate steps to improve its conditions. First and foremost, make sure you investigate the many low cost and minimally invasive passive heating strategies before opting for a new system. Service your furnace each fall and be sure to change out filters regularly to maximize airflow and the efficiency of your heater. Or, consider a zoned heating system with separate controls for spaces. Installing a programmable thermostat can keep your home warm when you're there and cooler while you're away. Also, close your damper when your fireplace is not in use to avoid major heat loss.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:16 AM
Friday, October 28, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #5
Keep a Tight "Lid"
Your roof is only one part of the energy efficiency equation. Keeping a tight "lid" on your home is important for blocking out water and moisture infiltration that can quickly lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Assess your roofing materials and determine if they can make it through another winter. Inspect flashing and other points of entry where water damage can occur and where warm air can escape. Your roof can also be a good indicator for how well your home is doing with energy loss. Consider the melt test: Is snow melting more quickly on your roof compared to other nearby homes? Different patterns of snow melt and the formation of icicles and ice dams might indicate air leaks and inadequate insulation. One quick and easy thing to do is to clean out your gutters to ensure that water can flow off and away from your home.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:56 AM
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #4
Fix the Problem Up in the Attic
As much as 30% of warm air (the air we want to keep inside during colder seasons) escapes through your attic. Luckily, this is also the place that is, arguably, the easiest and most cost effective to insulate. Ideally, you want your attic space to be the same temperature as the outside. If it gets too warm, you'll waste money heating the outside and you're more likely to have problems with ice dams. It's possible to install insulation yourself, but you might want to hire a professional, especially when handling cellulose- or fiberglass-based products. A professional can also help you achieve proper ventilation. Natural insulation materials such as wood, plant fiber, or wool are recommended for attics because they are breathable.
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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:58 PM
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter
Give Your Windows an Energy Boost Step #3
Add storm windows to help your older windows perform better. As the name suggests, storm windows protect your interior windows from storm damage, serving as a shield and a barrier. More importantly, they provide an additional layer of insulation from the elements. Today, a lot of options exist for exterior and interior storm windows. Most can be made to fit virtually any window opening and type. Aluminum storm window assemblies are the most common, but vinyl, fiberglass, composites, and wood assemblies are also options. And you don't have to sacrifice style or ease of operation; if you have an unusual window opening or experience difficulty finding a storm window/screen assembly that suits your needs, try a storm window specialty company.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 9:53 AM
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #2
Use Your Building's "Built-In" Assets
What's the best type of tip? One that's already done, of course! Historic buildings are inherently designed for energy conservation and to respond to different regional environments. For instance, overhanging roofs, porches, awnings, and shutters can provide insulation, while thick walls provide thermal mass and buffering. Large, operable windows provide natural light and promote air circulation, while mature landscaping provides a older barrier from the cold. Features like these should be thought of as the "built-in" bonuses of older and historic buildings. All you have to do is recognize and protect them.
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:05 PM
Monday, October 24, 2011
Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step#1
Winter is here. Is your home ready?
When done properly, simple weatherization projects can save you as much as $350 on your heating bills. These tips will help you save energy without costing an arm and a leg or requiring that you alter – or throw out – the character-defining elements of your home.
Start with an Audit – The Good Kind
Weatherization is a "whole house" approach that equips your home with everything it needs to be more energy efficient. A thorough energy audit is step one in achieving that. Don't fret if you think that sounds intimidating – home energy auditors know best and want to help. Overall, audits aid homeowners in identifying problem areas – big and small – and in setting goals and priorities. Be sure to ask for a blower door test to help determine your home's air tightness. Also, do some research. Many local utility companies and state energy agencies now offer audits for free or at minimal cost to help homeowners target leaks and identify cost effective options for sealing them.
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:19 PM
Friday, October 14, 2011
Trend Watch: Luxurious Bathrooms Don’t Always Need a Fancy Tub
Home owners may be starting to rethink what all makes up a luxurious, spa-like bathroom. Whirlpool tubs for several years have been on the wish-lists of many home buyers, but now some buyers are starting to show a change in preferences, swapping larger showers or extra storage space for that oversized bathtub or whirlpool, some designers say.
Many home owners may have once been swayed into adding an oversized bathtub in their master suite for resale value, but now some real estate agents and designers say that as long as you have at least one bathtub in the home, a missing massive tub in the master suite won’t likely dampen your chances at resale.
Home owners had complained that the oversized tub was taking up too much space and becoming a “dust magnet” that hardly got used, noted an article earlier this year by the Charlotte Observer, Goodbye Whirlpool Tub; Hello Luxury Shower.
In that article, Patricia Dunlop, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Interior Designers, said that many home owners are now opting for an extra vanity, shower and storage space in lieu of the whirlpool tub. Plus, home owners are instead wanting to spend money on upgrading to a larger shower with extra amenities, such as multiple shower heads, benches, or even steam showers.
It’s a trend that AVID Ratings Co., which conducts annual surveys on must-have home features, has been picking up on. In 2010, AVID Ratings reported that while whirlpool tubs were still desirable to many home buyers, they “clearly went down a notch” while oversized showers were moving up in popularity.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:01 PM
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