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Rancho Santa Fe Home Improvement

Homeowners hear a lot about improvements that might add value to houses. But less attention is paid to what to avoid. Steer clear of renovations that will cost you money at resale time.

If an Rancho Santa Fe home becomes conspicuously larger -- and more expensive -- than those around it will risk becoming hard to sell. Additions tend not to return their entire investment. The 2005 "Cost vs. Value Report" found that homeowners were able to recoup only 83% of the cost of a family-room addition and 82% of a midrange master suite.

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Cycles

What makes most sense is the "buy and hold" strategy. Buy a home you expect to remain in for at least seven years or more. Rancho Santa Fe is no different than most, although the Rancho Santa Fe market does have it's own special circumstances.

Want to get a clear and up-to-date picture of the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market? Call me at any time. I am happy to share my knowledge of the real estate market with homeowners and prospective homeowners who want to take advantage of market trends to buy and/or sell wisely.

Building Rancho Santa Fe Home Equity

As a Rancho Santa Fe homeowner you have the right to pay more towards the principle loan amount each month. Let’s say your monthly payment is $700.00 a month and $100.00 a month is being applied to the principle. If you choose to pay $900.00 instead of $700.00, the $200.00 overage will be applied entirely to the principle. Thus, instead of gaining $1,200.00 a year in Rancho Santa Fe home equity, you gain $3,600.00.

The only factor being considered here is Home Equity. In individual cases it may be wiser to invest than to pre-pay your home loan. It also may be wiser to pay off high-interest, non-deductible loans before considering your Rancho Santa Fe home equity building options. Your financial advisor is the one to consult for these matters. If you would like up-to-the-minute information about Rancho Santa Fe home appreciation values in your area, please call or E-mail me today.

The Benefits of Selling Rancho Santa Fe

As you know, you are allowed to sell your Rancho Santa Fe principal residence once every two years and exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) of the gain of the sale on your Federal income tax. Please note: This is not a once in a lifetime tax savings and you don’t have to be any certain age or buy a more expensive property. If you meet the two-year residence test you can sell your principal residence every two years if you are so inclined and the market cooperates. But this tax saving does not affect rental property unless you convert the rental to your personal residence, live in it for two years and then sell it.

Rancho Santa Fe DOWNTURNS

Real estate markets are affected by the economy as a whole and in turn, can affect the general economy. Of course, a buyer’s dream is to buy Rancho Santa Fe when prices are low and sell when prices are high. However, real estate is not exactly like other forms of investment and most people become comfortable and attached to their homes and are not interested in selling just because the market is right.

Rancho Santa Fe GUIDE

One of the major benefits that experienced Rancho Santa Fe agents and brokers provide for prospective buyers is a thorough knowledge of the area and the real estate market. Whether buying in a specific school district is important to you or making sure the home you buy is close to shopping and transportation, a knowledgeable agent is your bust Rancho Santa Fe Guide.