Saturday, August 18, 2012

ObamaCare's New Home Seller Tax

"So when I sell my home, do I have to pay a new tax?" This is the question on every home sellers' mind since news of the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 broke. 

According to the California Association of Realtors, beginning January 1, 2013, a new tax sometimes referred to as the "Medicare Tax" will take effect.  Part of the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010, includes this new 3.8% tax on sellers that have an adjusted gross income of more than $200,000 (for a single person), $250,000 (for couples filing jointly), and $125,000 (couples filing separately). 

Because this is a complicated tax law and will impact investor's differently, for the purpose of this blog, I will only be addressing home owners selling their principal residence with gains greater than the normal sellers' tax exemptions ($500,000 for married couples and $250,000 for individuals).   To help you understand, I am including an example from The 3.8% Tax Real Estate Scenarios & Examples Brochure, written by the California Association of Realtors (CAR): 

John and Mary sold their principal residence and realized a gain of $525,000. They have $325,000 Adjusted Gross Income (before adding taxable gain)."

The tax applies as follows:
     AGI Before Taxable Gain $325,000

     Gain on Sale of Residence $525,000

     Taxable Gain (Added to AGI) $25,000 ($525,000 – $500,000)

     New AGI $350,000 ($325,000 + $25,000 taxable gain)

     Excess of AGI over $250,000 $100,000 ($350,000 – $250,000)

     Lesser Amount (Taxable) $25,000 (Taxable gain)

     Tax Due $950 ($25,000 x 0.038)

NOTE:  If John and Mary had a gain of less than $500,000 on the sale of their residence, none of that gain would be subject to the 3.8% tax. Whether they paid the 3.8% tax would depend on the other components of their $325,000 AGI.

With this new tax, I recommend sellers talk to their accountants to verify their liabilities, because each home seller has different circumstances that may impact their tax rates when selling their home.  

Written by Virginia Hall
                ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, SFR
                Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
                DRE Lic 01409760
                        www.VirginiaHall.com
                Virginia@VirginiaHall.com
                Direct (619)258-8585

               

     

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Home Seller's Tip--Unwelcomed Summer House Guests

Right on time as usual, I hustled into my listing to prepare for my Open House.  The home was spotless.  Background music played softly and the air conditioning cooled the house, blocking out the summer heat.   After setting down my briefcase next to a chair, I set the plate of freshly baked cookies on the kitchen counter, just before a couple walked in.. 

I introduced myself to the man and woman, before showing them around.  As we walked past the kitchen I offered a cookie.  They thanked me, but had just eaten.  They spent the next 15 minutes looking around the house and chatting about buying a home in the future.   While they said they had just started looking, I had made a connection and would followup.

Now I prepared to settle in for the next two hours, I opened my laptop on the kitchen table and glanced in the direction of the kitchen when I noticed a straight black line of ants crawling across the ceiling, down the corner of the wall and across the counter straight to the cookies.  To my horror, the ants swarmed over the chocolate chips cookies.  Any moment I expected them to lift the plate of cookies and run off with them.  I jumped up in a panic trying to decide what to do.  I thought of a Yogi Bear cartoon where the ants carried away the picnic basket. I quickly slid the ant covered cookies into the trash and tied the plastic bag tightly.  I didn't want any get-a-ways.  Then I headed after the rest with several wet paper towels.   The last thing I wanted in a closed up home was ode de ant spray. But I had to stop the flow of ants.  So I grabbed a can of ant spray from under the sink and sprayed lightly at where it looked like the ants were coming from. 

Thank goodness no one walked in those 15 minutes.  I let the sellers know, that they needed to either spray themselves or hire a pest control company to rid the house of ants.  

While it is not uncommon to see bugs during the summer with the heat, it is important that homes for sale be kept bug free.    Also during the summer trash, cat boxes, and the laundry should be emptied each day to avoid odors.  You want your home to smell as good as it looks.

Written by Virginia Hall
                  ABR, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, SFR 
                  Direct: (619)258-8585
                  Email:Virginia@VirginiaHall.com
                  www.VirginiaHall.com
         

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Selecting the Best Home Buyer's Representative

In a recent blog,The Slippery Slope of Dual Agency, someone asked about how to select a Home Buyer's Representative? Once you decide to buy, it is important that you pick someone that is honest, trustworthy, and has your best interest at heart to help you. Meeting the representative and discussing the process is one way to select the best person for you.  Here are some criterias and questions to keep in mind when selecting the one:

Experience and Credentials. How long has the representative been in business? Is the agent a Realtor®? What professional organizations do they belong to? What other credentials or designations (ie. Accredited Buyer's Representative) do they hold?

Knowledge.What areas and neighborhoods do they work in? What types of property sales do they specialize in (residential, commercial, land)?

References. Ask about contacting previous clients for referrals. You may want to Google the Realtor®.

Representation. Ask the Representative to explain the definition of each agency and what is meant by fiduciary duties. Do they do dual agency?

Services Provided. Ask what type of services they offer? Do they use a written buyer representation agreements, detailing the obligations of the buyer and the Representative? It is important to have a clear understanding of what you expect out of them and what they expect out of you. Do they listen? Will they refer related service-providers such as lenders and home inspectors? Will they respond to your phone calls and emails within a certain time frame or at certain blocks of time in the day? Will you be dealing with the Representative or their assistant/Transaction Coordinator after the initial contract is accepted?

Finding Properties.  How will they assist you in finding homes? Some buyers like to look at all of the inventory, while others prefer the agent screens the homes narrowing down those they actually look at.
Do they have access to the full Multiple Listing Services? Will they set you up Internet homes searches?     When are they available to show you homes?

Negotiations. Will they educate you on the strategies of what to negotiate on, as well what contingencies will need to be released and when?

Compensation.  Most buyer's representative are compensated by the seller as part of the multiple listing agreement. However, it is always good to discuss other upfront costs you will expected to pay (ie. good faith deposit, home inspections, appraisals).  
While the Representative may not have perfect answers to every question, meeting them and discussing the process helps you in selecting a Home Buyer's Representative that you will have confidence in and trust to guide you through the process with your best interest at heart. 

Written by Virginia Hall
ABR®, CRS®, e-Pro, GRI®, SFR
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
VirginiaHall.com
Direct (619)258-8585
DRE#01409760

Friday, July 6, 2012

How attractive is My Neighborhood to Renters/Buyers?

When you are entering the rental or realty market, you’re not just relying on the viability of your house – you’re relying on the viability of the neighborhood it resides in as well. A neighborhood can make or break an investment. However, sometimes you can accommodate to the setting and make it work. You’ll first need to understand what makes a neighborhood appealing to renters/buyers and what drives them away.

Location and Knowing Your Market

While some locations may seem obvious to avoid, such as neighborhoods known for violence or drug trafficking, etc., others might not be such a clear choice. A lot of what the broad amount potential renter or homeowner is looking for, aside from a nice house to live in, is convenience.

If a neighborhood is on the outskirts of town or in the boonies, it will likely lose a lot of appeal. Being far away means it takes extra effort to get into town, to work, to school, or anywhere else the person may need to get to. There are some people who enjoy being far removed and like to live more independently, but appealing to these people may prove to be a more difficult endeavor as it really narrows your market.

Schools, Shopping, Attractions, and Transportation

Going along with the idea of convenience, easy access to essential commodities and institutions can affect the value of your investment property. Aside from poor locations deterring potential buyers and renters, a great location can bring them in.

Families in particular enjoy being close to schools, this way they do not need to worry as much about getting their kids to school. A home in a highly regarded school district is also a huge bonus. Many families will opt to spend more to live in a community with a better school district.

Local landmarks can also sway buyers and renters as well. Being in a close vicinity to shopping centers, hospitals, and other services all appeal typically to renters/buyer, knowing these resources are easily viable when they need them. Being close to a bus, transit line, or local carpool is also a great selling point for commuters.

Safety

Perhaps one of the strongest factors in the house seeking equation is how safe a person will feel living in the area. As aforementioned, if an area is clearly violent and riddled with drug dealers then they are less likely to find the house as an option. There are, however, even more practical things to consider. How safe would someone feel walking from their car to their front door at night in this area? Is there a lot of theft in the area? Would you then need to install a security system?

Buying an investment property in a generally hostile or sketchy environment can be a big financial mistake. Unless you have some sort of long term plan and see the area changing in the relatively near future, this generally should be avoided. If the area is crime ridden, you’re likely going to get more applicants with less-than-desirable backgrounds which will make the tenant seeking process even more frustrating and time consuming.

How to Compensate for “Non-Premium” Neighborhoods

For those hosting homes or apartments in less than desirable areas, there are things you can do to make it more appealing to the masses. The biggest and best thing is to adjust the price accordingly. For those living on a budget, it makes more sense to prioritize necessity of convenience.

Offering amenities such as pool and/or gym access, in unit washer and dryers, and others extra options can greatly raise the appeal. Also investing in the property itself can be a huge help. Making sure all appliances are up-to-date, putting in new carpets or hardwood floor, and a fresh coat of paint can also give renters and buyers assurance with the property.

About the Author

Dusty Henry is a writer and editor at All Property Management. As one of the most expansive directories and collections of property managers on the Internet, All Property Management http://www.allpropertymanagement.com/serves as a tool to connect property owners with the right rental manager for them.



Saturday, June 23, 2012

Take Your Best Swing--Making an Offer in a Hot Housing Market

   
With the interest rates at all time lows, the San Diego County housing market for homes in the $400,000 and below is hot.  

Unless the house is ready to be leveled, Buyers should not waste their time with low ball offers.  Even though the economy is still sluggish, signs of recovery are on the horizon. The number of homes in San Diego County dropped to its lowest level in nearly 3 years combined with a 21.5% increase in the home sales from a year ago May.  In addition,  the number of Foreclosures and Short Sales fell 44.8% in SoCal, the lowest level in four years.   When the supply of homes is down and the demand is up, it is time to get serious with your offers.  

Investors and first time home buyers are competing for the chance buy in. If you love a house, write a good solid offer that will beat out others.  Even investors are competing for fixer uppers that can only be sold using cash.   If the home is priced appropriately for the condition, multiple offers are to be expected.   How can you make an offer stand out?

REASONABLE PRICE
Offer a fair, reasonable price.  Now is not the time to low ball the seller.  You will begin to see more variable price ranges looking for a little higher than the most recent sales.   The price still has to be within a reasonable range for it to appraise for the loan. 

TERMS
To avoid having the seller counter your offer, this is a good time for the Buyers' Realtor to contact the listing agents to ask if there is anything special they should know before writing an offer i.e.  How long of an escrow would the sellers want? (30 days is the standard, but quite often sellers need longer); What title and escrow companies would the seller like to use?   Make sure that all appliances,  listed in the multiple listings, are to indeed remain and only ask for those items.   Often houses have furnishings and potted plants that really work with the house, but this is not the time to negotiate furnishings.  These can be discussed at a later time once you have your offer accepted.  At the worst, you may have to find another piece of furniture or new plants, but at least you have the house.

TERMITE
In most standard traditional sales the seller pays for the inspection and work.   Sometimes in short sales, the termite report and work are covered and other times, like most Bank Owned Foreclosures, they are not paid for by the bank.  

CONTINGENCIES
The standard contract calls for all contingencies to be removed within 17 days.  You will definitely need the 17 days for appraisal and loans.  If the full loan approvals takes longer than 17 days, you can always ask for an extension.  However, it is not recommended that you request the loan contingency extends until the loan funds.  With no time limit on the loan approval, the lender may not feel the urgency to complete the approval in a timely manner and extend out the escrow.  Although, the contingency for the physical inspections and disclosures, can be shortened 10 days.   You will want to do the physical inspection as soon as possible to know if you want to proceed with the sale.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Quite often, in a market such as this, you will get identical offers.  How are sellers to choose?  Selling and buying a home is very emotional.  Since the sellers have a lot of memories tied in the home, they  want to like the people they are selling it to.  You may want to write up a positive short biography about yourself including a photo and anything that will make you stand out from the next buyer.

Now is the time to step up and take your swing. 

Virginia Hall
ABR, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, SFR
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
http://www.virginiahall.com/
(619)258-8585
Virginia@VirginiaHall.com




Friday, June 8, 2012

Greenscaping your Home



In case you haven’t noticed, in recent years, the “going green “ trend has really gained ground. It’s not wonder why. There are plenty of benefits no matter what you’re beliefs towards going green are. Obviously, going green has much to do with protecting the environment, but for those interested in putting a little more money back in their pockets, there are reasons to go green as well.

Going Green doesn’t have to mean moving to a commune and using only recycled soda bottles or living completely off of the land. Oftentimes, it simply takes a bit of foresight and necessary planning. The best ways to go green are to simply observe your consumption habits. The two most prominent categories for this, at least in your home will likely be electricity and water.

Let’s start with the larger of the two. Electricity powers just about everything in your home, but the biggest consumer is most often the air conditioning. There are plenty of ways to combat this annual battle. Knowing where the heat transfer occurs is key. If you have large windows, it is very important to bock these from letting in more sunlight than is necessary. This can be done in a few different ways, Blinds and shades are normally a good and aesthetically pleasing solution, while planting a tree to block the sunlight is a bit more novel of an idea. You should also check the edges around your windows and doors for cracks and leaks. Large openings such as those at the foot of your door often make it difficult to keep the air cool. Windows that won’t completely shut create the same problem. Luckily, these problems are easily remedied by a bit of weather stripping and caulk.

When it comes to water consumption, there are a few ways you can also be greener. The easiest fix of them all is to simply reduce your time in the bath or shower, but sometime that isn’t always an option. In this case, you should consider installing low flow faucet and showerheads. Many of these are designed t deliver the same pressure you are accustomed to, while reducing the amount of water used. Another great step you can take to reduce your water and electricity consumption is to buy Energystar approved and other appliances that promise a reduced consumption of water and electricity. Although a bit more expensive, buying energy efficient appliances will significantly reduce your utility bills and can increase the value of your house.

Of course, there are many other ways to greenscape your house, but to find those out, you’ll have to talk to a professional. For more real estate tips and advice, be sure to contact to Virginia Hall at 619.258.8585 or at Virginia@VirginiaHall.com today!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Important FHA & VA Home Loan Standards

Buyers with FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veteran Administration)loans can't just buy any home. In an effort to protect their consumers, the FHA and VA have set criteria for the conditions of the homes that their buyers can purchase. They have specialized appraisers, who not only look at the comps and value of the home, but they also inspect the properties for safety and health hazards as well as other costly problems. In an effort to reduce wasting time and money, buyers should use a critical eye to take good look for some the following criteria:

Approved Condominium Complexes. If you are looking at condominiums, the complex must have been approved by the FHA or VA. Approved complexes are listed on the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Veteran Administration Websites. You may also find complexes on the website, that are not approved. It must show an active approval. If a complex approval has expired, the home owners' association has to reapply for the approval. Detached houses and Planned Unit Developments that have Home Owner Associations do not require approval.

Foundation Issues Cracked foundations (see photo) are a problem for any kind of loan. Things to look for are cracks in the stucco and drywall, difficulty opening and closing doors and windows, cracked floor tiles, and sloping floors.

Permanent Heat Source. The home must have an attached, built-in heat source that is turned on with a switch or knob. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces do not quality. A wall heater is approved.

Pools & Pool Equipment. Besides being filled, pools & equipment must be in good working order with no health hazards including algae and cloudy water.

Paint & Drywall Damage. If the house was built before 1978, peeling paint or damaged drywall/plaster (see photo) will need to be repaired.

Safety Hazards. Cosmetic issues are not concerns; however, safety issues such as electrical hazards, exposed wiring, broken windows, etc. need to be replaced or repaired.

Stove. The home must have a functioning stove (see photo). Buyers can purchase a stove and place in the home before close of escrow.

Unpermitted Additions. Garage conversions are probably the biggest culprits that will not be approved. While many Realtors believe no unpermitted additions will be approved, others claim it depends on the appraiser and the workmanship of the addition whether or not it will be approved. So if the buyer is willing to risk the cost of an appraisal, you may get a thumbs up.

Roofs. Worn roofs may be approved, but leaking roofs will not.

Termites. While a termite inspection is not always required, if there are obvious signs of termite damage and wood rot, then treatment or repair would be reqired.

While some of these problems can be addressed by the buyers prior to close of escrow, if they so desire, it is good to know what you are facing before making an offer. By keeping an eye out for these problems, buyers can avoid heart break and frustration.

Virginia Hall
ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI, SFR
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
VirginiaHall.com
Direct (619)258-8585