December is a big shopping month so is it a good time to buy real estate also? Many people do enjoying buying during the holidays while some do so purely out of need, but at any rate there are some positives to choosing to buy a new home during the holidays.
Tax Savings. Closing on your new home by Deceber 31st means you can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes and points on your loan on this year’s income taxes return.
Sellers are more motivated. With inventory still on the market, many sellers will also be anxious to sell by the end of the year so they can start fresh in their new home/location.
If you are buying a new home, there is a chance builders will be offering incentives. Many builders will offer extras to sell as many houses as they can by the end of the year.
Your housing choices during December are still relatively plentiful.
It’s easier to move. Many moving companies are booked six or so weeks in advance during the busy summer months. In the winter it is normally easier to secure the services of a moving company on shorter notice.
A new home for the holidays. The holiday season is a great time to celebrate your new home with family and friends.
If you buy a home this year you will be able to homestead it on January 1 and it will save you money on your taxes.
Rates are at an all-time low giving you more purchasing power to buy your home right now.
Home prices are still fairly low and sellers are competitive. With our strong negotiations you will be able to get a good deal on your new home now!
You know a couple successful Realtors on the Marr Team that can give you all the information you need to make the best decision for your family and help you accomplish your real estate goals! Rates are low and prices are great – call us today!
A few extra precautions this holiday season may make it a much happier and memorable time for your entire family and will keep the grinches away!
HomeSecurityGuru.com, recently collaborated with security experts and organizations to create a comprehensive list of the top safety tips to follow this holiday season. Fire safety precautions were high on the list due to the growing popularity of turkey fryers which cause an estimated $15 million in property damage each year according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Also of prime importance this year is taking precautions online to protect your home off-line, which are new safety measures people should take now that social media has become more commonplace and a popular way to communicate with groups of people.
Technology Related Tips
Do not share that you’re going to be out of town and away from home on an email autoresponder.
Do not share your holiday travel plans on Facebook, blogs and other social sites.
Don’t put vacation updates on social sites.
Don’t include away from home messages on your cell phone or home answering machines.
Consider investing in a home security camera that syncs with the internet so you can keep an eye on children that are off from school for the holidays or monitor your home while away
Home Security & Safety Tips
Remove objects that may allow access into your home, such as ladders
Don’t put gifts near windows or where they can be seen from outside the home
Turn the volume down or off on your home phone ringer so anyone outside can’t hear it ringing
Be careful when discarding boxes from gifts as thief driving by can see what new items may be available in your home next time you are away
Have a friend or neighbor pick up any mail or deliveries that are sent to your house
Don’t leave keys outside, even if they are hidden
Cut tree limbs back from second story windows
Use lights that are on a timer and set them to turn on at nightfall
Keep in mind to not cover your address number of your house with decorations so emergency personnel can correctly identify your home if needed
Cooking Safety Tips
Opt for the new type of “oil-less” infared turkey fryer instead of the traditional fryer
Clean your ovens and cook top range vents to clear them of all grease
If an oven or microwave fire occurs, keep the door closed. Turn the power off and wait for the fire to die.
Never leave cooking unattended, it’s the #1 contributor to cooking fires according to the NFPA
Never throw water or flour on a grease fire
Never put frozen food in boiling oil, which can cause an explosion of grease
Fire Safety
Buy a fire extinguisher that is ABC Rated and learn how to properly operate it
Change smoke detector batteries
Test smoke alarms to ensure they are operable
Make sure fire alarms are located on all levels of a house and outside of bedrooms
Limit the number of appliances used simultaneously
Never use frayed electric cords or run them through a doorway
Tax Savings. Closing on your new home by Deceber 31st means you can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes and points on your loan on this year’s income taxes return.
