Carbon monoxide is a silent killer you don’t want in your home but because it is colorless and odorless; you may not even be aware the deadly condition exists. The Center for Disease Control says more than 400 people in the U.S. die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning and over 10,000 require medical treatment each […]
Author: dauntless agent
Licensed real estate agent since 2006. This career allows plenty of interaction with people and finding them the home of their dreams is a passion of mine. I enjoy the extensive metro park system and the national parks that make up the emerald necklace of Northeast Ohio. The parks provide opportunities for favorite pastimes, such as hiking with my dogs or mountain biking on the many awesome trails in the area. My favorite way of staying fit is martial arts. Summer concerts with the Cleveland orchestra at Blossom music center is a favorite way to get my family to gather over a picnic and Playhouse square is one of my favorite places in Cleveland (I'm a sucker for musicals).
Waiting Will Cost More
An economist responded when asked how interest rates would change: “They may fall some and then, rise and after that, they’ll fluctuate.” Just because interest rates have been low for ten years doesn’t mean they are supposed to be low. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates twice this year and are expected to go […]
The Tax Difference in Second Homes
A principal residence and a second home have some similar benefits, but they have some key tax differences. A principal residence is the primary home where you live and a second home is used mainly for personal enjoyment while limiting possible rental activity to a maximum of 14 days per year. Under the 2017 Tax […]
When Neighbors Don’t Seem to Care
A home that isn’t being maintained like others in the neighborhood can negatively affect your visual sense of appeal and in some extreme cases, even affect property values. It might be an overgrown yard, a fence in need of repair, excessive noise, unruly pets, paint peeling on the home or even a car or boat […]
Flag Protocol
The American flag is obviously a symbol of our country but it has come to remind us of every man and woman who has fought for the freedom that we enjoy. The emotions that are stirred by images of our flag can run from happiness to sadness to trust and everything in between. Most of […]
Second Guessing Price
Imagine a homeowner consulting with their agent about the price to place on their home. The agent suggests that the market data indicates that $200,000 to 210,000 would produce a quick sale by pricing it properly. The owner puts a $210,000 price on the home. The first person who looks at the home offers $205,000. […]
A Home for Tomorrow
As people near or enter retirement, one of the decisions that typically comes up is whether to sell their “big” home and buy a smaller one. If you know anyone who has been faced with that situation, selling one home and buying a smaller one may not save enough money to make it worthwhile. There […]
Assumptions May be an Alternative
For the last 25 years, most buyers have gotten a new mortgage or paid cash when purchasing a home. For a practical reason, owner-occupant buyers have another alternative: assuming a lower interest rate existing FHA or VA mortgage. In the late 80’s, both FHA and VA began requiring buyers to qualify to assume their mortgages. […]
Overlooked Recordkeeping
Homeowners are familiar that they can deduct the interest and property taxes from their income tax returns. They also understand that there is a substantial capital gains exclusion for qualified sales of up to $250,000 if single and $500,000 for married filing jointly. However, ongoing recordkeeping tends to be overlooked. New homeowners should get in […]
Costs More – Takes Longer
The one experience that homeowners can agree upon after completing a remodeling project is that it costs more and takes longer than expected. It doesn’t really matter that you researched, planned, and received multiple bids, it will, invariably, cost more and take longer than you originally anticipated. Replacing floorcovering or painting is a project that […]
Mandy Pajerski 