You may be aware that you can avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of your home if it was your primary residence for at least two of the five years prior to its sale. Individuals may qualify for a $250K tax exemption, and married couples up to $500K.But life is funny, and Continue Reading
Archives for February 2007
Mortgage Rates Drop to 6-Week Low
Thirty year fixed-rate mortgages declined this week to an average of 6.22 percent, down from 6.30 percent last week and 6.26 percent a year earlier, Freddie Mac reports. "Mortgage rates eased a little more this week, as market participants were concerned over how much drag Continue Reading
20% Down Payment Becoming a Rare Sight
Fewer buyers are making down payments on their purchase of a new home, and even fewer are forking over the 20-percent sum that was once the norm, according to a new study by the California Association of REALTORS®. Nationwide, nearly 30 percent of buyers and 45 percent of Continue Reading
How Much Are You Losing Renting vs. Owning Real Estate in Bennington VT?
Today's real estate market in the Bennington VT area provides an excellent opportunity for renters to turn their monthly payments into equity. While rising slightly, interest rates now are still much lower than in the past ten to twenty years, and home prices in many areas Continue Reading
Fourth Quarter Metro Home Prices & State Sales Likely Have Hit Bottom
WASHINGTON, February 15, 2007 - Existing-home sales in most states were down from year-ago levels in the fourth quarter, marking the likely bottom for the current housing cycle, while prices in many areas corrected as a result of sellers’ willingness to negotiate, Continue Reading
Dollars and Sense When Selling Your Bennington VT Real Estate
Sellers are competing for buyers these days. Actually, sellers are always competing against each other, trying to offer the best value in hopes of securing a full-price offer. Such offers usually come to sellers whose homes are in model condition and priced at, or below, Continue Reading
4 Minor Improvements That Bring Big Results in Bennington VT Real Estate
Sellers who refuse to make minor repairs are likely to pay dearly for their stubbornness, says Sid Davis, author of the new book Home Makeovers That Sell. Here are some of Davis’ suggestions for sellers who want to get the most out of the deal. Start with the kitchen; Continue Reading
Realtors® Seek to Protect Home Buyers From Predatory Lending
Realtors® Seek to Protect Home Buyers From Predatory Lending and Educate Them on Mortgage Products WASHINGTON, February 07, 2007 -The National Association of Realtors® today told a Senate panel that NAR supports stronger anti-predatory lending legislation and more Continue Reading
Existing-Home Sales To Improve, With Later Recovery For New Homes
WASHINGTON, February 07, 2007 -Consumers are beginning to respond to more favorable housing market conditions, but new home construction will be dampened until inventories decline further, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®. David Continue Reading
Back to the Nest ?
Are you among the college graduates who have moved back home this year? Don't sweat it, because you're not alone. About 48% of the class of 2006 is estimated to have returned home, and with good reasons. It's safe, it's secure, and it's convenient, especially when there Continue Reading
