Sadly, we are approaching summer’s end. While we may not be ready to accept this fact, we still need to think about getting our homes ready for the changing season. According to this recent video post from realtor.com, there are several home maintenance tasks that are better to get done in August, before the temperature starts to drop.

This home maintenance checklist, includes:

1. Check washing machine connections
2. Clean out gutters
3. Look out for wasps
4. Hire a chimney sweep
5. Prep your furnace

Many of these tasks require professional services. Be sure to do your research and schedule maintenance now before appointments fill up, and fall officially arrives.

The post Prep for Fall: Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle in August appeared first on Laffely Real Estate Associates.

The tax deadline is fast approaching. April 15th will be here before we know it and deductions are top of mind. We are always thinking about what deductions we can take to help get the return we are hoping for. Childcare, healthcare expenses and school loan interest are just a few that come to mind. If you own a home, there are several deductions you can take advantage of. Do you know them all? Over on realtor.com, they’ve compiled a list of tax benefits for home owners. Check out these tax write offs:

1. Your mortgage interest
2. Your property taxes
3. Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
4. Energy-efficiency upgrades
5. A home office
6. Home improvements to age in place
7. Interest on a home equity line of credit

Read the full article here and learn more about each of these write offs: http://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/tax-benefits-of-owning-a-home/.

Whether you sit down with a tax professional or do your own taxes online, make sure you understand each of these benefits before you file.

The post Do You Know All the Tax Benefits of Owning a Home? appeared first on Laffely Real Estate Associates.