If the Debt Relief Act of 2007 is not extended, 2013 could be a very Unhappy New Year for homeowners who have foreclosures and short sales! New headlines are warning of a financial cliff that is approaching with the end of 2012, and the real estate industry will be hit particularly hard! It’s the expiration of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 was enacted on Dec. 20, 2007. The Act...

Taste in art is incredibly subjective. If your home even slightly resembles a museum, consider that one person’s treasure can be another’s trash. When getting ready to sell your home, it’s important to keep the artwork simple so that you can get the best selling price. Before listing your property, consider having a candid chat with your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers sales associate, or a close friend. Both can give you a...

You might have heard rumors or received e-mails stating that all real estate sales would have a new tax in 2013 due to the passage of the Health Care Law. Here are the basic facts: Yes, there is a new 3.8% tax that is part of the recently passed Health Care Bill. Yes, this new tax comes into effect January 1, 2013. No, this is not a transfer tax that will be charged on all real estate sales. The tax will only impact individuals who have more...

by Tisha Gay I just read a wonderful article on the Zillow Blog titled “Wanted Dead or Alive: 10 Criminally Outdated Design Features”, and although it was funny, it was also insightful. It’s amazing that I still see a lot of these features in listing photos today! The author discussed several features that might have been big during the 80’s and 90’s, but are surefire killers today. She hit on three of my biggest pet peeves as far as home...

by Tisha Gay I have to say I’m partial to this house, since I’m a Florida fan! We’ve all been there before. You might have gotten a referral from a friend or a random call off your website, and the caller asks “can you help me sell my home?” Barely suppressing a cry of joy, you say “Absolutely!” and set up an appointment. You just can’t wait to meet your new sellers and you’re already thinking of the commission check you’ll be getting after you...