Jan 18

Choosing Your Deduction

Categories:

Home Ownership Tips

by CathyGlass

Choose Your Deduction

One third of all U.S. households, 75% of households with more than $75,000 income and most homeowners itemize their deduction on their federal income tax returns. It makes sense because the interest paid on their mortgage and their property taxes probably exceeds the allowable standard deduction.

However, with interest rates as low as they have been in the last two years and the price of homes having come down considerably, it is possible that the standard deduction may be the better choice.

Each year, the taxpayer can compare the total of the itemized deductions to the standard deduction to select which method will result in the most benefits. The 2011 standard deduction is $11,600 for married couple filing jointly and $5,800 for single filers.

For Oak Ridge and Knoxville Homes for sale ask Cathy Glass, Realtor® or visit BuyandSellKnoxvilleHomes.com or BuyandSellOakRidgeHomes.com

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Jan 11

Tim Cook’s modest home

Categories:

Housing Market

by CathyGlass

Tim Cook’s modest home – http://pulse.me/s/4SMMc

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Jan 11

High-yield mortgage REITs: Too good to be true?

Categories:

Housing Market

by CathyGlass

High-yield mortgage REITs: Too good to be true? – http://pulse.me/s/4T1XL

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Jan 11

Ever so humble: Homes of the GOP contenders

Categories:

Housing Market

by CathyGlass

Ever so humble: Homes of the GOP contenders – http://pulse.me/s/4Rg9e

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Jan 11

Financial Reasons for Homeownership

Categories:

Tips and Strategies in Real Estate

by CathyGlass

Part of the American Dream is to own a home. A home is a place to call your own; a place to raise your family and share with your friends. A home is a place to feel safe and secure. A home is a good investment?

In a recent report* by Beracha and Johnson, it is suggested that buying a home is the right thing to do but not necessarily for the reason that people expect. A home is, in many instances, the largest investment that homeowners have and it accounts for the majority of their net worth.
The report suggests that the self-imposed savings due to amortization has a significant contribution to a person’s net worth. The premise was determined by comparing the net worth of buyers to renters over a 31 year period of time.
When the savings in rent and down payment were reinvested, renters had a greater net worth than buyers after each 8-year cycle by a margin of 91% to 9%. On the other hand, when the requirement to reinvest the savings was dropped and renters were allowed to spend the savings on consumption, the Buyers had a greater net worth 84% compared to 16% for renters.
Appreciation, tax savings and amortization contribute to lowering the cost of housing and help homeowners build equity. The forced savings due to amortization benefits the individuals who may not be disciplined enough to invest the savings otherwise. Regardless of which benefits apply in different situations, owning a home can be a satisfying investment both emotionally and financially.
*Factor Sensitivities in the Making of Buy vs. Rent Decisions: Do Homeowners Make the Right Decision for the Wrong Reason by Eli Berach and Ken J. Johnson of Florida International University writing for the Journal of Housing Research.
For more information and help with your particular situation call Cathy Glass, Realtor, Today’s Real Estate Professional in the Knoxville, Tennessee area
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Dec 27

New Year’s Resolution

Categories:

Buy/Sell a House Tips, Knoxville, Oak Ridge

by CathyGlass

New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions

Every year, it seems like the same things are on the list but this could be the year you really do invest in a rental home.

Rents are climbing, home prices are cheap and mortgage rates are low for even non-owner occupied properties. A $125,000 home with 20% down payment can easily have a $300 to $500 monthly cash flow after paying all of the expenses.

There are lots of investment strategies that work but one that is easy to understand and execute is to stay with below average price range homes in predominantly owner-occupied neighborhoods. These properties will appeal to the broadest range of tenants while you hold them and buyers when you’re ready to sell.

Single family homes offer an opportunity to borrow high loan-to-value mortgages at fixed rates for long terms on appreciating assess with tax advantages and reasonable control

This is the year to make some real progress on your resolutions. First, invest some time learning about rental properties by attending a FREE webinar on January 4th at 7:00 PM Central time by national real estate speaker Pat Zaby. Click here to register.

When you are ready to buy a rental property, Cathy Glass, Realtor® Today’s Real Estate Agent for Knoxville homes for sale or Oak Ridge homes for sale and many other close by areas.

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Dec 21

6 Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Categories:

General Interest

by CathyGlass

What do they want? What do theyChristmas Bow need? Will it fit? Do they already have one? These are the common thoughts running through our minds when trying to find the perfect gift.

The gift of really listening with no interrupting, no daydreaming and no planning your response is exactly what people want when they have something important to say.

The gift of affection with appropriate hugs, kisses and pats on the back can demonstrate your love for family and friends better than words.

The gift of laughter by sharing cartoons and funny stories will say “I love to laugh with you.”

The gift of a simple written note shows sincerity and real heartfelt sentiment that may be remembered for a lifetime and could even change a life.

The gift of a sincere compliment supports a person’s need to be accepted and appreciated. “You look great in that color”, “That was outstanding” or “I really enjoyed that” can make someone’s day.

The gift of random kindness or good deeds like holding a door or allowing someone to move ahead of you in a checkout lane shows respect for others.

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Dec 19

Buyers Want to Buy a Home in Hardin Valley

Categories:

Hardin Valley, Knoxville

by CathyGlass

I am working with a family who would like to buy a house in the Hardin Valley area, one with a larger lot and between $200,000-350,000. Do you know of someone who has been thinking of selling their house in the Hardin Valley area?

For all the Knoxville area homes for sale, you can search on the map below.

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Dec 14

9 Safety Tips for Christmas Decorations

Categories:

Home Ownership Tips

by CathyGlass

There’s No Place Like Home -9 Safety Tips for Christmas Decorations

You don’t have to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz to feel like there’s no place like home.

Home is a place to call your own. It’s a place to raise your family and share with your friends. It’s a place to create memories. A home is a place to feel safe and secure.

Inspect all of your decorations and electrical lighting before using them. While you’re enjoying the holidays this year, it’s important to pay attention to some of the things that may affect your safety.

  • Extension cords should not be placed under the carpet or rugs or bundled together which could cause overheating.
  • Limit three standard size sets of lights to a single extension cord.
  • Consider using portable or permanent ground fault circuit interrupters with all lighting to avoid possible shocks.
  • Turn off holiday lights when you leave the home or got to bed.
  • Avoid using candles near trees or wreaths.
  • Do not allow natural trees to dry out during the time they’re displayed to potential fire hazard.
  • Make certain that all trees are on a firm, steady base to avoid tipping over.
  • Don’t burn wrapping paper in fireplaces.
  • Small children are particularly susceptible to accidents and should be protected from potential harm.
Here’s hoping your time at home is special during this Christmas season. Cathy Glass, Realtor, call me about Knoxville Homes for Sale
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Dec 07

Excellent Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Categories:

Home Ownership Tips

by CathyGlass

Tips to Winterize your home

I got the tips above in an email today. I thought they were excellent. Please, winterize your home to cut down on maintenance expenses and repair costs.

Cathy Glass, Realtor, It’s a great time to buy Knoxville homes for sale and Oak Ridge homes for sale.

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