Even if you’re having a professional help you with your income tax return, you need to provide them with information on the money you spent that might be deductible. Look at the following list of homeowner tax tips to see if any of these things need a little more investigation to determine if they apply to your situation.
San Diego County Housing Market Report January 2015
This month’s San Diego County housing market report looks positive. The December numbers show healthy appreciation. These aren’t the twenty to twenty-five percent annual appreciation numbers we saw for many months straight, but a continuation of the sustainable growth we saw throughout most of 2014.
Take a look at the North County and San Diego County summaries below, or click on the links for a detailed look at December’s statistics. You may also want to go to The San Diego Union-Tribune’s recently published article reviewing San Diego County’s housing market for 2014. It’s full of good information.
Continue reading San Diego County Housing Market Report January 2015Should You Downsize Your Home?
With roughly 12.5% of the population over 65 years of age, it is understandable that some people are thinking of downsizing because they may not need the amount of space they did in the past. There is something to be said for the freedom acquired by divesting yourself of things that have been accumulated over the years but are no longer needed. Should you downsize your home? It does have its benefits.
San Diego County Events – January 2015
San Diego International Auto Show Jan 1 – 4
Region: Downtown
The San Diego International Auto Show features over 400 vehicles from 40 global manufacturers. The 2015 model-year vehicles feature the newest technology to enhance the driving experience, all packaged in luxurious interiors and wrapped in cutting edge designs. Show visitors can participate in exciting, fun new features, family entertainment, and interactive activities.
San Diego County Housing Market Report December 2014
The December San Diego County housing market report shows values continuing to increase. Economic factors such as inflation and the job market are not currently putting pressure on housing, but median prices of detached homes in San Diego County are still moving upward. Both San Diego County and North San Diego County detached homes saw a year-over median price increase of between four and five percent in November.
This is a traditionally slower time of year for real estate sales, and countywide there were fewer sales of detached homes compared to October, but the median number of days those homes were on the market also dropped in North County. In addition, fewer homes came on the market. This is keeping inventory at a three month supply, below the five to six months’ we expect to see in a normal market.
Continue reading San Diego County Housing Market Report December 2014Raise the Basis and Lower the Gain
Homeowners can raise the basis or cost in their home by money spent on capital improvements. The benefit is that it will lower their gain and may save them taxes when they sell their home.
Improvements must add value to your home, prolong its useful life or adapt it to new uses. Repairs are routine in nature to maintain the value and keep the property in an ordinary, operating condition. They do not raise its basis.
Continue reading Raise the Basis and Lower the GainHoliday Tree Safety
Fresh holiday trees are beautiful, smell great and really add to the spirit of the season. Following some proven holiday tree safety tips might help you avoid a disaster and keep the Grinch away.
- Select a tree with fresh green needles that don’t fall off when touched or when the trunk is tapped on the ground.
- When trees are cut too early, they have a greater risk of drying out and can become more dangerous especially with electrical lights.
San Diego County Events – December
LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights Dec 1 – 31
Region: North County Coastal
Come build Holiday memories during the month of December at LEGOLAND California Resort. Play in real snow, build snowmen and throw snowballs at LEGO targets. See the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree and watch the nightly tree lighting ceremony.
The Heat Is On
As the weather gets cooler and you get ready to turn on the heat, it’s a good time to check your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system to make sure it’s operating properly. While it’s wise to have your HVAC inspected by a heating professional every fall and spring, you can increase the efficiency of your system by following these simple maintenance tips from American Home Shield.
Now:
Use a high-efficiency pleated filter with an electrostatic charge that works like a magnet to grab the tiniest particles. Replace the filter every 90 days and check it monthly. If it looks dark and clogged, change it, and if you have pets, you may need to change it more often.
Continue reading The Heat Is OnHousing Statistics Reports for San Diego County and North San Diego County October 2014
After 26 straight months of year-over median price increases, North County single family detached homes finally saw a decrease of 0.88 percent in October. That was not the case countywide where prices of detached homes increased 4.20 percent.
The months of double digit appreciation that peaked in mid-2013, the normal market slowdown that comes as we approach the holidays, and fewer investors in the market are all factors in the slowdown.
To read the full housing statistics reports, click on the links below.
North County Summary
• The median price for all North County home sales attached and detached decreased to $508,250 in October 2014 compared to $513,500 in September 2014.