Cutting Your Housing Costs in Half

Cutting the price will generally bring buyers of anything out of the woodwork that were not serious before.  Some renters could easily lower their monthly cost of housing by half or more by purchasing a home with all the financial benefits that come with it.

The most obvious thing in today's market is that the mortgage payment could be less than the rent the tenants are paying.  With mortgage rates hovering around 3%, this is a major factor of the savings.

The two other major contributing factors are appreciation and amortization of the mortgage, neither of which benefit tenants continuing to pay rent.  According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices rose 5.4% from July 2019 to July 2020.  There were 400,000 less homes on the market during the summer of 2020 than the previous summer which is influencing appreciation.

With each payment a homeowner makes on their mortgage, a portion is used to reduce the principal amount owed.  This is like a savings account for the owner because it lowers their unpaid balance and increases their equity.

The equity becomes an asset that can be accessed by doing a cash-out refinance or a home equity line of credit once the equity has reached 80% loan-to-value.

A $300,000 home purchased with an FHA loan at 3% for 30 years would have a payment of approximately $2,013 including principal and interest, taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance premium.  If the tenant were paying $2,400 in rent, this would be a savings of almost $400 a month.

The monthly principal reduction would average $500 a month for the first year which would lower the net cost of housing.  The other major item to consider would be the appreciation.  Assuming, in this example, the home was appreciating at 3% annually, the monthly appreciation in the first year would be $750 which would further lower the cost of housing.

Rent	$2,400
Total House Payment	$2,013
Less Monthly Principal Reduction	$513
Less Monthly Appreciation	$750
Plus Estimated Monthly Maintenance	$200
Net Cost of Housing	$950

 

In this example, it would cost over $1,400 per month more to rent than to own.

A different approach to this would be that the equity in this home in seven years would be $121,579 based on appreciation and principal reduction.  If the same person continues to rent, there would be no equity build-up.

If you're curious as to how much you could cut your housing cost, go to the Rent vs. Own or contact your real estate professional.

Some Mortgage Interest May Not be Deductible

Banks are concerned about making loans that will be repaid not about making loans that are tax deductible for homeowners.  It is good business for the bank but how is the homeowner supposed to know?

Most homeowners and potential homeowners are aware there are tax benefits associated with ownership.  For instance, mortgage interest and property taxes have been deductible expenses from federal income tax since it was enacted in 1913. 

The current law provides that homeowners can deduct the interest on Acquisition Debt which is the amount of debt incurred to buy, build or improve a first or second home up to $750,000.  The amount of acquisition debt decreases as payments are made and it cannot be increased unless the additional funds borrowed are used for capital improvements.

It is not uncommon for a homeowner to refinance their home for any number of reasons.  It could be to get a lower interest rate that would lower the payments or remove mortgage insurance.  However, when additional funds are borrowed for reasons beyond "buy, build or improve", the excess is considered personal debt and the interest is not deductible according to IRS.

Maybe this is not important if the owner is taking the standard deduction because it is higher than the total of the property taxes, qualified mortgage interest and charitable deductions made by the taxpayer.  Currently, it is estimated that 90% of homeowners are electing to use the increased standard deduction implemented with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

A confusing issue that occurs at the end of the year is when the lender reports to the borrower the amount of interest that was paid.  While that amount is most probably accurate, the bank doesn't know if it is qualified mortgage interest for the borrower. 

It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to keep track of outstanding acquisition debt and whether part of the balance is considered personal debt.

Another area where it could become important is if the property was lost due to foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or a short sale.  The provisions of the Mortgage Forgiveness Act have been extended through 12/31/20 which exempts the forgiven debt from being considered income and therefore taxable.  However, it only applies to acquisition debt.  Any part of a mortgage refinance that is considered personal debt could be taxable in that situation.

As an example, let's say that homeowners originally borrowed $300,000 to purchase a home that they owned for 15 years.  During that time, the home appreciated significantly, and they refinanced it twice.  Once, they made some improvements and took out cash to pay off personal loans and the second time, it was only a cash out.

Original acquisition debt	$300,000
Remaining acquisition debt including improvements	225,000
Unpaid balance on current mortgage	$550,000
Personal debt	325,000

 

In the example above, the personal debt of $325,000 would be considered income on foreclosure and recognizable as income on that year's income tax return.

If you have never refinanced your home or have refinanced it but never taken any money out of it except to make capital improvements, your unpaid balance in most likely acquisition debt.  However, it you have refinanced your home and pulled money out of it for purposes other than capital improvements, those funds may be considered personal debt.

This article is for information purposes.  If you are unclear about the current acquisition debt on your home or need advice for your individual situation, contact your tax professional.  Additional information can be found in IRS Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction.

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Choose an Agent

The concern today when putting your home on the market should not be whether you'll get a contract; it's whether you are going to recognize the majority your net proceeds without any unnecessary delays.

What you realize from the sale of your home has to do with maximizing the sales price while minimizing the sales expenses.  Interestingly, the buyers will be trying to minimize the price they have to pay for your home and possibly, have you pay some of their expenses.

Taking a few pictures with a cell phone and putting a sign in the yard may be enough to get a buyer but successfully selling a home in today's market requires expert marketing and expert negotiations. 

Marketing begins with the preparation of the property to optimize the first impressions it makes to potential buyers.  A skilled professional can make recommendations that can help the home sell for the most money and in the shortest amount of time.  Cleaning, painting, depersonalizing, removing unnecessary items and possibly staging are a few of the recommendations you might receive.

93% of buyers rely on the Internet to search for properties and information and is something they engage even before they find an agent.  Positioning the home so it only can be found effectively in the search is making it appeal favorably and requires careful consideration.

Professional-level photography will make the property look appealing.  Experience knowing the right angles, the proper lighting, and having the right lens are only a few of the things can make a property stand out from the competition.

Negotiations plays a huge part in the sale of any home.  There will be negotiations during the offer/contract stage with the buyer and the other agent.  After that, there may be negotiations regarding inspections, repairs, the appraisal, or anything that might threaten the ultimate closing.

The following are seven questions that you can ask when interviewing an agent to market your home.  The answers should help you evaluate and select an agent who can represent you and your interests.

1. Do you use a professional photographer?
2. Have you sold homes in this area recently?
3. Explain your timetable for preparation, "going live" and market exposure.
4. Describe your efforts during the negotiation process.
5. Do you have a pricing analysis, showing actives and solds, for my neighborhood?
6. Which properties will be our strongest competition?
7. How do you get the most exposure to get competing offers?

On the surface, it may appear that all agents are the same.  They are all be licensed to sell real estate and can put your home in the MLS for other agents to find.  Experience and skill sets can vary widely among agents and the questions provided in this article can help you determine who can do the best job for you in today's environment and the market your home is located.

Four Things Sellers Should Do Before the Sign Goes in the Yard

Just like buyers should be pre-approved before they begin to look at houses, Sellers should have their home pre-approved.  The reasons are similar: appeal to the "right" buyers, discover issues with the home early, improve marketability, increase negotiations position and close quicker.

For the seller, there are few things that need to be done before the sign goes in the yard and definitely before prospective buyers see the home.  The first is to understand that once you decide to sell the home that it needs to appeal to the broadest base of buyers and that means depersonalizing your home.

Once the home is sold, you will need to pack your things for the new home.  Think of this as starting the process early.  Get moving boxes and make decisions on what you intend to give away or discard in each room and closet.  Identify and pack those items before the home goes on the market. This will be the first wave of making your home more marketable.

When your home hits the market, it needs to be a neutral commodity and not "your" home.  A good rule of thumb is to remove items that involve religion, hunting and sports.  That means removing personal items like family photos or collections displayed in the room.

Next, in round two, go through every room to remove the items that make too large of a statement or take up too much room.  Pool tables may be appropriate in a game room, but they are not in a dining room or a living room.

Personal collections may have taken you years to accumulate and you're proud of them but the people who come to see your home will either not appreciate them or they will become distracted by looking at them instead of the home.  The livability of your home needs to be the focal point.  The buyers need to visualize themselves living in the property that will become "their" home.

The four most important rooms to address are the primary bedroom, kitchen, living room and dining room.  These rooms have a major influence on buyers when determining whether "it is the right home."   Bright colors, possibly used as accent walls, should be neutralized. 

After you have depersonalized the home and removed non-essential items that could make the rooms or closets look small, you might want to consider another technique referred to as staging.  Rearranging furniture so the room shows to its best advantage is simple and doesn't cost a thing.  You might decide that a coffee table or statement piece would be nice and your REALTOR® or stager can suggest a place to rent it rather than buying it.

Once the home is depersonalized and staged, you are ready to have a professional photographer take the pictures that visually describe your home to potential buyers long before they ever look at the home physically.  These will be used on websites, portal sites, MLS, and social media.  Anyone with a point and shoot camera thinks they are a photographer but a pro with the correct wide angle lens, who understands lighting and has an "eye" for what makes a great picture is worth every dime you'll spend.

One more consideration should be to have the home inspected before it goes on the market.  It won't replace the buyer's inspections but it will discover any items that need repair and they should be done before the home goes on the market.  This will probably save you money because it might cost less to repair them than they'll want in second round of negotiations when their inspector finds it.

Another benefit is that if their inspector identifies a problem area that your inspector did not, you have a basis for legitimate disagreement that could just be personal opinion instead of a "fact."

While the process of depersonalizing should take part before you put the home on the market, you'll want you have the benefit of your real estate agent's experience to help you with the process.  At age 18, a person can expect to move nine more times but by age 45, they may only expect to move another 2.7 times.  Your REALTOR®'s experience can be valuable not only in saving your time and money but actually, make the difference in a successful sale.

Selling or Buying Smart Homes

More and more homeowners are employing smart home technology within their homes.  It may start with a video doorbell or lights and progress to other devices.  The smart-home device market is rapidly growing and Forbes research expects it to grow from $55 billion in 2016 to $174 billion in 2025.

The popularity of these high-tech features will require a few additional steps to consider when selling a home.  The seller should determine which items will and will not stay with the sale of the home and identify them in the listing agreement.

Confusion can arise when a home's marketing mentions its smart-home technology and is unclear if a piece like the hub, which is easily considered personal property but is integral to the working of the system.  Some might consider it an accessory and others a component.

A smart home can contain multiple technology devices connected to the Internet that allow them to be controlled or accessed from computers, tablets or most commonly, on mobile apps.  Many of the devices can also be accessed through a hub like an Amazon Echo or Google Home.

Thermostats and lights may have been some of the first such devices but the video doorbells added a new level of WOW factor by being able to see and talk to the person at your door and even get a video recording.  Porch pirates are now seeing their images on social media caught in the act thanks to these devices.

Homeowners sometimes start with one item like a smart sprinkler system control.  When they find out how cool it is and that it actually saves them money not to mention how convenient it is, they starting planning their next smart-home device purchase.  Some of these items absolutely are permanent and become real property and others, border between personal and real property.

If the seller is including smart devices with the sale of the home, they should have administrative access and any personal information removed and return the devices to the default settings.  The seller should also review the privacy settings and delete the permissions for their personal mobile devices.  For the benefit of the buyer, any manuals or warranties should be left for the new owner.

Equally as important, the buyer should verify that the smart devices have been returned to their factory settings and no longer coupled with the seller's mobile devices.  The buyers can create their own account to register the devices in their name.  Then, as security updates are available, they will be notified.  At the same time, the buyer will want to create new access codes and preferences.

Alternative Investments

In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal reported that investors have rarely been this flush with cash.  The economic uncertainty due to the pandemic and the volatility of the stock market has caused assets in money-market funds to increase to approximately $4.6 trillion, the highest level on record according to Refinitv Lipper.

The question becomes should an investor be "out of the market" until things settle down or should they seek to find alternative investments to produce satisfactory results.  Even in the middle of this uncertainty, residential rental property has been a stable performer.

Rents are continuing to increase along with values.  Investor mortgages are available at 80% loan-to-value at fixed interest rates for 30-year terms.  Most other investments must be purchased for cash or at best, are limited to low loan-to-value loans, at floating interest rates for relatively short time frames.

The use of borrowed funds, especially at today's low interest rates, contribute to the rate of return and in some cases, increase it.  This characteristic is known as leverage.

Income properties enjoy specific tax advantages like long-term capital gains rates lower than ordinary income rates, standard depreciation, which is a non-cash deduction, as well as expensing many big-ticket items in the year purchased.

Tax deferred exchanges are available for investors wanting to avoid the tax due on sale and defer the profit into the replacement property.

One of the most cited reasons people invest in rental homes is that they feel they are more in control.  They understand a rental home because it is the same type of property and requires the same maintenance as the home they live in.  They can make the decisions to improve it, repair it, what rent to charge and when to sell it.  For most owners, a home represents their largest financial asset.  That familiarity becomes a natural bridge to decide to invest in rental property rather than something they are less familiar.

If you'd like to know more about the benefits, download the Rental Income Properties guide and call me at (801) 726-1443 to discuss what kind of opportunities are available.

Smart Sprinkler Controller

It seems like most homes have sprinkler systems and if they do, they have some form of controller to automatically turn the water on and off for the time and days you feel necessary.  It seems like basic functionality and if it isn't broken, you may not feel the need to replace it. 

Today, there are so many smart home devices that are not only convenient, but they'll end up saving you enough money to pay for the upgrade.  There are different manufacturers, but you should at least consider the Rachio if for no other reason than the easy installation procedure. 

The process is simple.  Unplug the old controller and disconnect the wires being sure to label which wires went to which stations.  Using the Rachio template, mark three spots on the wall, drill holes in the drywall, insert the anchors into the holes and screw the new controller to the wall. 

This model has convenient wire connectors that do not require crimping a wire around a screw.  It is quick and easy to put the numbered wires in the corresponding slot.  The directions are simple and easy to follow.  When complete, connect the power source and plug it into a wall socket. 

Now, install the Rachio app to your phone and continue following the instructions to connect the controller to the Wi-Fi.    In minutes, you'll be sitting in a lawn chair making adjustments and seeing what it will do. 

Some of the features you'll find very convenient are the multiple schedules that can be created and easily switched from one to another.  As you set up each zone, you can take a picture of the area and be able to identify with a glance which area you want when individually selecting one. 

Another thing you might like is that when you're trying to track down a broken head or just need to adjust it, you can turn on a zone from your phone while looking at the yard.  When you identify which head is the culprit, turn the water off from your phone, make the adjustment or repair and turn the water back on to test it without having to go back and forth to wherever your controller is located. 

Rachio will even monitor the weather to skip a scheduled cycle in case of rain, high wind or freezing temperatures.  You could literally be anywhere in the world where you have an Internet connection and you'll be able to adjust your watering cycle.  This device really does save time and money while being fun to operate. 

How Does It Measure Up?

People are always looking for a "down and dirty" way to determine the value of a home and square footage seems to be one of the most common things used by people whether they are buyers, sellers or real estate agents.  While it seems straight forward, there are several variances that can lead to inaccurate determinations.

The market data approach to value uses similar properties in size, location, condition and amenities to compare with the subject to arrive at a price.  Differences in any of these things can affect the price per square foot.  Appraisers are trained and licensed to make these adjustments but the differences are not necessarily objective and that is where opinions start to influence the value.

Even if a person were to make accurate adjustments, they would be based on the assumption that the square footage of the comparable properties is correct.  That leads to the next area of concern: how was the subject property measured.

It is commonly accepted to the measure the outside of the dwelling on detached housing.  Is it customary in this area to include porches and patios under roof and if so, do they get full value or only partial value?  Is there any value given to the garage since it isn't living area?  What about other areas that do not have HVAC coverage?

Some areas don't give consideration to basement square footage at all.  Others might give some value if it is finished or has access directly to the outside like a walk-out basement.  Similarly, attic space could be finished and under HVAC but if the ceiling height is not standard for the home, it may not receive value.

The problems become exacerbated when different comparables are not treated consistently and yet the common denominator ends up being an average of the square foot price of each.   This is calculated by taking the sales price and dividing it by the number of square feet being quoted.

The source of the square footage should be listed to help determine the accuracy.  It could be what the builder said it was to the original purchaser.  If there is a set a plans available, that might seem credible but it is not uncommon for the builder to make changes while the home is being built which could increase or decrease the square footage.

Another source is the tax assessor.  In many cases, they don't actually measure the home but take the word of the builders or appraisers for it.  If permits were obtained to add on to the home since it was built, it should be reflected in the square footage.  However, sometimes permits are not secured properly.

After reading this, you may think that more doubts have been introduced than solutions and you are correct.  It takes diligence on the part of all parties to determine the correct amount.  The most highly trained person will be the appraiser and they should be measuring the home in its "as is" condition but understand that even a competent person can inadvertently make a mistake.

It's Worth Digging a Little Deeper

There are hundreds of thousands of people who believe, for one reason or another, they cannot afford to buy a home currently.  Some people  may not for any number of reasons but it would be very surprising to know how many who can buy but have gotten some bad information along the way.  It's worth digging a little deeper to find out the facts.

John and Karen have been renting a home for the last five years at $2,000 a month.  During that time, the value of the home they were renting went up by $30,000 in value while the unpaid balance decreased by $18, 400.  Even though they were fortunate enough the rent remained constant over the five years, they missed out on close to $50,000 of equity that the owner realized instead of them.

Another thing to consider with today's low interest rates, it is quite common for a mortgage payment to be lower than a tenant is paying rent for a similar property.  So, in this example, John & Karen paid more to rent than a house payment would have been and missed out on the equity build-up that occurred due to appreciation and amortization.

The simple fact is when tenants like John and Karen pay their rent, the landlord is the beneficiary of the rent received as well as the equity earned.  Over time, the rent paid by John and Karen and other tenants will pay for the landlord's rental.  It a great concept and a good investment.

True, not everyone can afford a home.  A buyer needs money for a down payment and closing costs.   They also need to have income and good credit to qualify for the mortgage.  Some of these may seem insurmountable but instead of imagining that buying a home is not in the cards at the current time, talking to a real estate professional is a better route to take.

There are lots of low-down payment mortgages available including 100% financing for qualified veterans and USDA eligible buyers.  It is sometimes more difficult to find sellers willing to pay all or part of a buyers closing costs when inventory is low, but lenders do allow it.  It is a matter of finding the willing seller.

The source of the down payment could be a gift from a family member as long as there is no repayment expected.  It's amazing how many parents or grandparents might be willing to help a relative get into a home.  Funds for a down payment may be available as loans or withdrawals from qualified retirement programs like IRAs or 401k plans.  It's worth investigating based on what retirement programs you have.

Good credit is necessary to qualify for a loan but buyers should not assume that theirs is not adequate.  A trusted mortgage professional can assess a situation and may be able to suggest some things that will not only raise the score enough to be approved but possibly, even raise the score enough to qualify for a better interest rate.

There are a lot of misunderstandings about whether a person can or cannot qualify for a home at this time.  Instead of relying on second hand information or something that might be floating around on the Internet, spend some time with a real estate professional who can give you the facts, assess your situation and if necessary, point you in the right direction to get help from a trusted mortgage professional.  Call (801) 726-1443 to schedule an appointment where we'll help you dig deeper to determine whether you can buy a home now.

Download our Buyers Guide to give you more information.

Grilling Safety

More people grill in July, June & August than any other months and correspondingly, there are more injuries, as well as fires, due to grilling accidents in those months. Even though Labor Day is in September, we still need to be aware of safety.

Close to 20,000 patients per year visit the emergency room due to injuries involving grills.  Approximately half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns.  If you are around fire, there's a chance of getting burned. 

About 2/3 of American households own at least one outdoor barbecue, grill or smoker.  Interestingly, gas grills contribute to more fires than charcoal grills.  In addition, there are over 10,600 home fires started by grills each year.

While grilling is associated with celebrations, good food, fun and friends, it is important to make sure that accidents don't interrupt your activities. 

• Only use BBQ grills outdoors and in ventilated areas
• Place the grill away from home or anything that could be flammable
• Keep grill stable
• Keep fire under control
• Keep children away from grill
• Never leave the grill unattended
• The grill lid should always be open before lighting it.
• Grease should not be allowed to build up in the grill
• Use long-handled utensils

Gas/Propane

• Check the tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year by using a light soapy water solution to see if bubbles appear.
• You should not smell gas when the grill is lit.  Move away from the grill and call the fire department.
• If the flame goes out, turn off the gas for 15 minutes and open the lid before re-lighting it.

Charcoal

• Never add any starter fluid or other flammable liquid to a fire
• Only use charcoal starter fluid and not gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid.
• Keep starter fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children.
• Electric starters have a coil that ignites the charcoal.
• When finished cooking, close off the grill vents to suffocate the fire and save some of the remaining charcoal.

Practice safe grilling and enjoy any occasion to cook outdoors and share time with your family and friends.

New Listing! 501 Nottingham Dr, Tooele, UT 84074 - $435,000 - MLS 1656041

*
Attention Serious Camping Enthusiasts! 57’ long by 17’ wide RV pad poured along the side of the home with an additional 26’ long by 17’ wide RV pad continuing behind the gate of the fully fenced back yard. That’s over 1,400 square feet of beautifully poured concrete to accommodate all of your outdoor-adventuring passions. And because you can never really have enough parking and workshop space, there’s a real 4-car garage (not tandem) with built-in cabinetry, shelving and epoxied floor, too.
*

*
Inside this move-in ready 2-story home with mountain views, the main level features a well-designed kitchen with an island, pantry, large dining area and an almost brand new top-of-the-line KitchenAid “black stainless” appliance package: 5-burner gas cooktop double-oven range, microwave, dishwasher and French Door refrigerator. The family room has a corner gas-log fireplace, there is an office/formal living room and a main level ½ bath for convenience.
*

 

*
The master suite, along with 3 additional bedrooms and the laundry, are together upstairs - away from the activity on the main level. The spacious master bedroom and bath features a walk-in closet, shower with separate tub, double-sink vanity, and private toilet. No tiny spare bedrooms either!
*

*
The fully-finished daylight basement with stained concrete and carpet flooring is a great place for TV, home theater and gaming (online or on a pool table) and features a guest/5th bedroom and a third full bathroom.
*

*
The amazing-is-an-understatement back yard is a get-way-from-it all retreat with a large deck off the kitchen and expansive patio with a fireplace, perfect for both entertaining and playdates. Fully fenced with an automatic sprinkler system and surrounded by trees for privacy. Plus a stuccoed outbuilding with a roll-up door that would make SheShedCheryl proud.
*
Make sure to click in to “Tour” for the Matterport virtual walk through.
Welcome to Your New Home 💗 MLS 1656041
Talk with your agent or call Kim today to schedule your showing appointment today!

Kim Novak is the Broker/Owner of
Novak Advantage Real Estate.
She can be reached by call/text at
(801) 726-1443 and by email to
kim@novakadvantage.com

Northern Utah Is Seeing a Commercial Real Estate Boom

Perry Van Schelt and David Rindlisbach [CC BY-SA]

Click Here to Read the Article (it's really, really good) ➜ Northern Utah Is Seeing A Commercial Real Estate Boom

This headline could be "Weber & Davis Counties Relocate to be Closer to Salt Lake." Ok, ok, I kid. That's kind of an inside joke. You know, like it's a 30-minute drive from Ogden to Salt Lake, but 10-years from SLC to Ogden. So this article sums up what we Northerners have always known. Our long-game comes with a plan. And we're in it to win it.

PS We're bringing Box Elder with us.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kim Novak, Broker/Owner, Novak Advantage Real Estate

A Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned Real Estate Brokerage

Call or Text: (801) 726-1443  Email: kim@novakadvantage.com

Your Guide to Finding Home in Utah * Start Your Home Search Here www.UtahHouseandHome.com

ABR, AHWD, CRS, CSP, e-PRO, Green, GRI, MRP, RENE, RSPS, SFR, SRES, SRS

RE/MAX Hall of Fame * RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award *  Salt Lake Board of Realtors® Hall of Fame

Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors® Lifetime SalesMaster * Link to Résumé

UT DRE Brokerage License# 8817929-CN00 * UT DRE Principal Broker License# 5459481-PB00

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgage loans are like traditional mortgages that permits homeowners to borrow money using their home as collateral while retaining title to the property.  Reverse mortgage loans don't require monthly payments.

The loan is due and payable when the borrower no longer lives in the home or dies, whichever comes first.  Since no payments are made, interest and fees earned are added to the loan balance each month causing an increasing unpaid balance.  Homeowners are required to pay property taxes, insurance and maintain the home, as their principal residence, in good condition.

Reverse mortgages provide older Americans including Baby Boomers access to their home's equity. Borrowers can use their equity to renovate their homes, eliminate personal debt, pay medical expenses or supplement their income with reverse mortgage funds.

Homeowners are required to be 62 years and older and meet the following requirements:

• Own the home free and clear or owe very little on the current mortgage that can be paid off with the proceeds
• Live in the home as their primary residence
• Be current on all taxes, insurance, and association dues and all federal debt
• Prove they can keep up with the home's maintenance and repairs

Payouts are based on the age of the youngest spouse. The younger the age, the less money can be borrowed. Reverse mortgages offer two terms ... a fixed rate or variable rate. Fixed rate HECMs have one interest rate and one lump sum payment. Variable rate loans offer multiple payout options:

• Equal monthly payouts
• A line of credit with access until the funds are gone
• Combined line of credit and fixed monthly payments for a specified term
• Combined line of credit and fixed monthly payments for the life of the loan

Traditional reverse mortgages, also called Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, HECM, are insured by FHA. There are no income limitations or requirements and the loan funds may be used for any purpose. The borrower must attend a counseling session about the HECM, its risk, benefits, and how much can be borrowed. The final loan amount is based on borrower's age and home value. FHA HECMs require upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums but can be wrapped into the loan.

Proprietary HECM loans are not federally insured. Lenders create their own terms, including allowing loan amounts higher than the FHA maximum. Proprietary HECMs don't require mortgage insurance (upfront or monthly), which may result in more funds available. Proprietary reverse mortgages typically have higher interest rates than FHA HECMs.

Advantages

• Create a steady stream of income during retirement
• The proceeds aren't taxed or risk borrower's Social Security payments
• Title and rights to the home are retained by the homeowner
• Monthly payments are not required

Disadvantages

• The loan balance increases over time rather than decreases as with an amortizing loan
• The loan balance may exceed the property value eliminating inheritance
• The fees may be higher than traditional mortgage loans
• Any absence of the home for longer than 6 months for non-medical or 12 months for medical reasons makes the loan due and payable

More information is available about reverse mortgages from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or Federal Trade Commission or HUD.gov.

Choosing the Right Agent: Is Your REALTOR® a Mentor or a Motivator (and which is right for you)?

men•tor mĕn′tôr″, -tər
noun. A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher, especially in occupational settings

A MENTOR is someone:
Who trusts your abilities to rise to the occasion
Who tells you what you NEED to hear
Who inspires confidence and pulls you along to become your best

mo•ti•vate mō′tə-vāt″
verb. To cause to be enthusiastic.

To provide with an incentive or a reason for doing something; impel.

A MOTIVATOR is someone:

You depend on to keep you "up"

Who tells you what you WANT to hear

Who needs to push you to action

I admit: I am a terrible motivator. 

Years of management experience, in and outside the field of real estate, has taught me that you truly cannot motivate another person. Motivation comes from within. You either are or aren't about whatever someone else is trying to motivate you to do or achieve. Most real estate agents are motivators, which is why the public often perceives those in my profession as pushy and self-serving.

I also admit: I am not for everyone.

"You didn't tell me that." This is a feeling I never want my clients to experience. I've built my service commitment on the foundation of helping my clients set achievable expectations, providing them with information about, well, everything, and being their step-by-step guide to a successful closing. Think of our relationship like learning a new language - Real Estate Immersion. 

Choosing the right agent is your prerogative. Don't leave it up to Yelp reviews or Zillow advertising. Interview your agent voice-to-voice and face-to-face(time). Ask for a résumé and references. Make sure that they are a "match." This initial step to achieving your homeownership goals, whether buying or selling, is on you.

So in closing, and kinda-sorta relevant because he attended the London School of Economics, I leave you with this profound insight from Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones ...

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find

You get what you need

Kim Novak is the Broker/Owner of Novak Advantage Real Estate. 

(lucky) 13 industry Designations and Certifications and 4 industry Awards, but at the center of all that are her Clients.

Kim can be reached by call/text/FaceTime at (801) 726-1443 and by email to kim@novakadvantage.com.

Finding Home in Utah: Downsizing in 2020

Sometimes Moving Up Means Downsizing, Too.

Approximately 52 million or 16% of Americans are age 65 and over.  It is easy to understand that some of them are thinking of downsizing their home because they don't need the same space they did in the past.

It can be liberating to divest yourself of "things" that have been accumulated over the years but are no longer needed.  Moving to a less expensive home, could provide savings for unanticipated expenditures or cash that could be invested for additional income.

Savings can be realized in the lower premiums for insurance and lower property taxes, as well as,  the lower utility costs associated with a smaller home.

Typically, owners downsize to a home to 2/3 to 50% of their current home's size.  In some situations, it is not only economically beneficial, but their interests may have changed so that a different style of home, area or city might fit their lifestyle better.

The sale of a home with a lot of profit will not necessarily trigger a tax liability.  Homeowners are eligible for an exclusion of $250,000 of gain for single taxpayers and up to $500,000 for married taxpayers who have owned and used their home two out of the last five years and haven't taken the exclusion in the previous 24 months.

Homeowners should consult their tax professionals to see how this may apply to their individual situation.  For more information, you can download the Homeowners Tax Guide.

Call or text me at (801) 726-1443 to find out what your home is worth and what it would take to make the move to another home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kim Novak, Broker/Owner, Novak Advantage Real Estate

A Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned Real Estate Brokerage

Call or Text: (801) 726-1443  Email: kim@novakadvantage.com

Your Guide to Finding Home in Utah

Start Your Home Search Here www.UtahHouseandHome.com

ABR, AHWD, CRS, CSP, e-PRO, Green, GRI, MRP, RENE, RSPS, SFR, SRES, SRS

RE/MAX Hall of Fame * RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award *  Salt Lake Board of Realtors® Hall of Fame * Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors® Lifetime SalesMaster * Link to Résumé

UT DRE Brokerage License# 8817929-CN00 * UT DRE Principal Broker License# 5459481-PB00

New Listing! 5107 S 2125 W, Roy, UT 84067 - $265,000 - MLS 1647029

Searching for an affordable home with a huge garage and workshop, in an ideal location? Check this out! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2088 sqft, 4-car garage, .23 acres in Roy, east of the tracks and just a few minutes from Hill AFB. Heated 24'x36' detached 4-car garage with 9' door, power & workbench plus a separate storage shed. Backup generator for the home is included. 

Remodeled kitchen with granite countertops, white appliance package, smooth top range, built-in microwave, refrigerator and laminate flooring. Hardwood floors under the carpet on main level. Updated bathrooms with tile floors. Newer vinyl windows. Central Air. Enclosed patio adds living space that's heated and cooled - window A/C unit stays. Extra room in the basement could be 4th bedroom, exercise room or office. Covered carport parking at the back door. Beautiful lawn & trees, almost completely fenced yard, automatic sprinkler system connected to secondary water.

MLS 1647029 Talk with your agent or call Kim today to schedule your showing appointment!

Kim Novak is the Broker/Owner of Novak Advantage Real Estate. She can be reached by call/text at (801) 726-1443 and by email to kim@novakadvantage.com.

2020: Joy and (more) Baby Yoda

(no spoilers)

Yes, I'm one of "them" (he's just so adorable!).

Happy New Year, too! But better than just any new year. A new year that starts a new decade. And a new decade that begins with a fortuitous LEAP 🐸 year.

My wish for 2020 is that we leave the high-anxiety real estate markets of 2018 and 2019 behind us in favor of a healthy balance beneficial for both Buyers and Sellers. I confess to my palpable, adverse reaction to every news report, including those published by my REALTOR® associations at the national, state, and local levels, proclaiming this one-sided awesomeness of the real estate market. If my 24+ years in real estate have taught me anything, it's that neither hyper-price-appreciation in strong Seller's markets, nor depressed-prices and distressed-sales of strong Buyer's markets, are good for our national psyche and overall economy. Buyers have reached burn-out critical mass and Sellers, who are the beneficiary of all that home-value appreciation, are experiencing the same painful reality when they become Buyers themselves after the sale. My wish for 2020 is Joy in Homeownership. Whether buying your first home or selling your current home so that you can build a new one, you deserve to love the experience.

2020 is also the Chinese Year of the Rat. Make of that what you will, but in Chinese culture it portends wealth and surplus. "Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life." Sounds pretty good to me.

Kim Novak is a long-time Trekkie who has found re-connection with the Star Wars universe in the form of a little green 50 year-old baby. She is very excited about the real-life US Space Force and loves spending time with clients in her Tesla named ⭐Star⭐. She can be reached by call/text at (801) 726-1443 or email to kim@novakadvantage.com.