2011 Cost VS Value Report

Realtors and most HGTV watchers know that updated kitchens and baths sell homes.  But what about other projects?  If you have some money to reinvest back into your home, and are considering which projects will give you the most bang for your buck, take a look at Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost VS Value report.  They compare the average cost for 35 of the most popular remodeling projects with the value that those projects retain at the time of resale.

In the DC Metropolitan area, some of the top performers are: replacing your front door with a steel door (for midrange homes), replacing windows with new, energy efficient vinyl windows; and replacing garage doors.

The magazine seems to indicate that you may not recoup every penny you put into your project, but as a Realtor and former property flipper, I will tell you that you CAN earn back your investment — even profit–from certain repairs.  The trick is to know which items to improve, and to what extent.  Not sure what those are?  Invite a Realtor into your home to get their advice.  Or ask me in the comments section and I’ll give you my opinion.

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home

It’s that time of year again…tax time! If you purchased a home in the last year, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. Check with your tax accountant, but you may be able to deduct the following items:

· Mortgage Interest Payments: Mortgage interest is usually deductible on a primary residence, as well as on a second home that meets certain requirements.

· Mortgage Insurance Payments: aka MIP, PMI

· Points (Loan Discount or Mortgage Origination Fees): The points that you paid to your lender upon purchase of a home, or even the points that were paid by the seller on the buyer’s behalf, may be tax deductible as a prepayment of interest if certain basic requirements are met.

· Property Taxes: These annual taxes are based on the assessed value of the property and may lead to a considerable deduction each year.

· Home Equity: The interest paid on home equity loans could mean tax benefits that are not available through other credit sources.

Once you get your big refund check, you might want to consider putting it towards a home renovation project that you will not only enjoy for years to come, but help boost your resale value! Check out my next blog post with Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report information.

Check out my New Listing in Old Town Alexandria

I have a gorgeous new listing in Old Town Alexandria.  Please click the link below to see pictures and all the details.  I will have it open on Sunday, Oct. 10 from 1-4 PM, so stop by!

http://www.postlets.com/repb/4523321

Open House Day!!

I’ll be holding my listing in Lowes Island open today.  A great home, move-in ready.  Stop by if you are in the area!

For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Townhouse in Sterling, VA, $344,000.

JUST LISTED: 4BR/3.5BA Townhouse in Sterling, VA, $344,000

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via For Sale: 4BR/3+1BA Townhouse in Sterling, VA, $344,000.

2010 Best Places To Live

According to Money Magazine, some of the cities in the Washington Metropolitan area are among the best places to live in the US:

Columbia and Ellicott City, MD tied for SECOND PLACE!!!

Gaithersburg, MD ranked #25

Centreville, VA ranked #30

Rockville, MD ranked #31

Alexandria, VA ranked #47

Money Magazine took a look at population, unemployment rates, crime, things to do, and housing.

What do you think?

Shameless Self-Promotion (part two)

I’m quoted (several times) in today’s Washington Times real estate cover story.  Check it out:

Cover story: New vs. resale homes – Washington Times.