Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a wild year in real estate! Our chief economist, Jonathan Smoke, has predicted that 2016 will be a true seller’s market, and it’s already galloping out of the starting gate.

Of course, not all homes are equal, and they don’t sell equally well, either. Most homes are a unique mosaic of attractive features (sparkling new granite counters!) and sometimes frustrating flaws (hey, what’s with the dilapidated porch?). Which part of that equation comes out on top will help determine what how quickly your place will move.

But what are the specific features that make some homes hotter than anti-Obama posters at a Trump rally? We set out to quantify just how much of a difference the most popular features can make in selling a home, and how certain features can slow the pace to a crawl—to separate out the stainless steel from the popcorn ceilings.

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Taxes? Gross! Who wants to think about government paperwork, especially when your hand still aches from signing the 977 forms required to buy your first house? But listen up: As a new homeowner, you can typically wave bye-bye to the 1040-EZ form and say hi to itemizing your deductions on Schedule A.

That means you can combine the thousands you’re now paying in mortgage interest and property taxes with what you’re already paying in state and local income taxes. And bam! Suddenly, you’ve got more to deduct than the $6,300 standard deduction.

For recent first-time homeowners Ben and Stephanie Liddiard, buying a rambler in Layton, Utah, led to tax savings that fattened Ben’s paycheck by $100 every two weeks. If you’re like the Liddiards, home ownership will give you more deductions, so your taxable income will decrease and you could owe less in taxes.

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In recent winter months, snowmen were the only detectable “life” in your yard. But now that Frosty has succumbed to puddlehood, it’s time to get ready for spring! Jumpstart your lawn resuscitation as soon as the ground defrosts, and you’ll avoid a muddy disaster zone come April — not to mention ignite your neighbors’ envy. Here’s what to do:

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Real talk: “JanuFeb” can be grim. The holidays are a distant memory, and now you have to slog through a barrage of dark, frigid days until spring makes its glorious appearance.

To escape that persistent winter funk, shake off that heated Snuggie and take a trip to the garden center. Studies suggest that stocking your home full of humble houseplants can boost your mood, big time — not to mention make your space feel cleaner, brighter, and healthier.

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Although the International Builders' Show focused largely on millennial homebuyers, the event also featured several sessions addressing design trends for all levels of the housing market, from starter homes to luxury properties.

During one presentation, two judges from the Best in American Living Awardsdiscussed the most common design trends featured in the award-winning properties. The BALAs recognize the nation's best residential design, including multifamily and single-family properties, interior design, remodeling and exteriors. 

Joe Digrado, a senior associate with the Danielian Associates architecture firm, and Richard Smith, of design-build firm RJ Associates, presented what they consider the most prominent trends that residential designers should keep an eye on this year.

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In today's market, with homes selling quickly and prices rising, some homeowners might consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

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CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 256,000 properties regained equity in the third quarter of 2015. This is great news for the country, as 92% of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation.

Price Appreciation = Good News For Homeowners

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As the economy continues to improve, more and more Americans are seeing their personal financial situations also improving. Instead of just getting by, many are now beginning to save and find other ways to build their net worth. One way to dramatically increase their family wealth is through the acquisition of real estate.

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The monthly mortgage payment on a home is determined by two elements: the price of the house and the interest rate you pay on your mortgage. Recently released reports are revealing that the experts expect both elements to increase in 2016.

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From mortgage interest to property tax deductions, here are the tax tips you need to get a jump on your returns.
 

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