Archive for September, 2012

Considering Selling Your Brooklyn Home? Get the Scoop on the 3.8 Percent Real Estate Tax in the Healthcare Bill

Monday, September 17th, 2012

If you’re considering selling your Brooklyn home, you may have heard rumors that there is a new tax going into effect in January, 2013. Here’s the rundown on what the tax really is – and isn’t.

The new tax is called the ‘‘Unearned Income Medicare Contribution.” It is a 3.8 percent tax on the net investment income of high-income taxpayers. The tax will apply to those with an adjusted gross income of more than $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers), with no indexing for inflation.

The Good News

Odds are that you will never pay this tax.

Why You Most Likely Won’t Pay the New Tax

The tax will apply to capital gains, not sale proceeds. Because of the current exclusion of gains on home sales — up to $500,000 (joint) or $250,000 (single) on a primary residence — the vast majority of home sellers will not be required to pay this tax.

 Here’s an example: A couple with an adjusted gross income of more than $250,000 (which qualifies them for the tax — more than 90% of households make less than that) decide to sell their house. They purchased their Brooklyn home long, long ago for $50,000. They sell the house, miraculously, for $549,000. Because that profit of $499,000 is under the $500,000 profit exclusion amount allowed for couples, they owe no tax.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of other taxes that are worth getting upset about; this isn’t one of them.

If you’re Considering Selling Your Brooklyn Home on selling a Brooklyn home, I can help. Give me a call Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn real estate agent with Fillmore Real Estate a call at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].

 

 

S’more End-of-Summer Insights to Get Your Brooklyn Real Estate Sold

Friday, September 7th, 2012

 

Summer is quickly drawing to a close. That means you need do some serious evaluating in order to take advantage of the rest of the season’s long daylight hours and get your Brooklyn real estate sold.

So before you spend the evening catching fireflies and roasting marshmallows, buckle down and get s’more work done on your Brooklyn real estate. Below are five ways you can prepare your home and yourself for the big sale!

Host a block-party barbecue. People in the neighborhood are a great resource to tap into to market your home. Host a party to tell them your plans and allow them to see your home. If they have a friend they want to have nearby, they might just sell your house for you.

  1. Make your yard memorable. Summer is the ideal time to spruce up your curb appeal so that your home makes a good first impression on potential buyers.
  2. Repair the roof. This can be a big expense, but it is also one of the first things that home inspectors note. If it needs repairs, do it now. If you don’t, it could cost you more money when it comes time for closing negotiations.
  3. Eliminate odors. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home, not be distracted by how they’re going to get the summer-intensified smell of your pet out of the carpet.
  4. Know your minimum price. You need to prepare yourself for the numbers game. Do your research using comparables to determine what your house will most likely go for and what you’re willing to accept.

 Use what’s left of summer to make your Brooklyn home stand out from the rest! You’ll sell quickly and can start looking forward to next summer in a new home — maybe one with a pool.

If you’re thinking about selling your Brooklyn real estate and would like more tips on how to get it ready, please call Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn real estate agent with Fillmore Real Estate a call at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected], for more information and aFree Market Price Evaluation without obligation!