Disscussion Points To Cover Shop, Compare, & Negotiate For A Mortgage:

• The lender’s requirement for a down payment and how much of a Down Payment you can comfortably afford.
• If you are required to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance, which protects the lender if the borrower fails to pay.  If so, ask how much that will add to your monthly payment.
• Ask for a list of Current Mortgage Rates and inquire if they are the lowest for the week or day.
• Are the Interest Rates Fixed or Adjustable? If they are adjustable, then when the rate goes up, so does the monthly payment.  The adjustable rate is tied to which index?  How often is it adjusted?
•  Ask how the Interest Rate and Loan Payment will vary on an adjustable loan and if your payment will drop when the interest rate drops.
• What are the Loan’s Annual Percentage Rate (which includes the interest rate), broker fees, points and certain other credit charges that you may be required to pay.
• Negotiate The Fees which include the loan origination or underwriting fees, as well as the transaction, settlement and closing costs.  Ask for an estimate of all fees and a written pledge that all mortgage closing costs will not exceed the amount quoted to you on the Good Faith Estimate and if they do, your Mortgage Broker will pay the difference.
• Inquire how the Mortgage Broker is Compensated.  Brokers are paid a fee that may be passed along to the consumer as points paid at closing or as an add-on to the interest rate, or both.  Always ask that the points be quoted as a dollar amount.

Contact Courtney Silverman for assistance in finding a reputable Mortgage Consultant that educates her customers and her customers have no surprises at the closing table.

The Internal Revenue Service has concluded that a landlord or a homeowner with a home business who needs to have mold remediation performed at their home is tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.  It qualifies as a repair that has to be done to protect the investment of your home and business.

Renovations that increase the value of your home can’t be counted as business expenses.  Mold remediation does not add value to the property, so it is tax deductible.  Mold remediation is necessary because the health of you, your employees, or your tenants would be affected if not performed, thus affecting the cash flow into your home business.  Only the mold remediation is deductible, not any upgrades or renovations to the property.

The total cost of the mold remediation project, including any pre or post-testing that an on site mold analysis could do for you, is what you would declare as your deduction at the end of the year.  In addition, any building materials that you have to purchase after the mold remediation is tax deductible too. These are necessary to complete the repairs caused by the mold in the first place. 

It’s also possible that relocation expenses for you, your family, or your tenants may be deductible as well.  Check with your tax adviser and ask them if these costs could be deductible.

With all the talk about mold being the kiss of death in real estate transactions, it’s good to know that there actually is an economical advantage to a moldy situation.

I recommend you consult with your CPA to see if this applies to your particular situation.  If you need assistance with mold identification or removal, contact Courtney Silverman.

Ingredients

Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar
1 pint rubbing alcohol
1 tsp. dishwashing liquid
fill remaining gallon container with water

Fill squirt bottle and store remaining solution until you need it.  Great to use to clean glass, tub, tile and countertops.  (Not recommended for use on marble and granite.)

Contact Courtney Silverman for information on staging & getting your home in tip top condition for sale. 954-389-3459

On a monthly basis at the Weston Regional Park, located at 20200 Saddleclub Road in Weston, Broward County taxpayers will receive assistance in applying for their homestead and other property tax exemptions.

Applicants must bring:
a Florida diver’s license or ID card,
a Broward voter registration or declaration of domicile,
social security numbers of all owners and
a copy of the recorded deed or a copy of the tax bill.

Resident immigrants must bring a permanent green card or proof of asylum. Visit Broward Property Appraiser or Courtney Silverman for more information

You will love living in Windmill Ranch Estates.  This exclusive community is revered, and great for raising a family.  Check out this over 5,000 square foot 5-bedroom estate situated on over an acre and a half.  Call Courtney Silverman, Realtor with The Keyes Company For Luxury Properties 954-292-0743..