Thinking of Selling? Why Now May Be The Time

 It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their home on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the market in the spring, as compared to the rest of the year? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed which months most people listed their home in for 2015. Here is a graphic showing the results:  The three months in the second quarter of the year (represented in red) are consistently the most popular months for sellers to list their homes on the market. Last year, the number of homes available for sale in January was 1,860,000.

That number spiked to 2,280,000 by May!

What does this mean to you?

With the national job situation improving, and mortgage interest rates projected to rise later in the year, buyers are not waiting until the spring. They are out looking for a home right now. If you are looking to sell this year, waiting until the spring to list your home means you will have the greatest competition for a buyer.

Countertops need to be tough and durable, especially in the kitchen. When you think of glass, however, tough and durable aren't usually the first attributes that come to mind. Though it might look phenomenal, it is difficult to imagine glass as being strong enough to withstand the rigorous life of an everyday kitchen.

Strength and Sustainability
Many modern countertops are made of stone (like granite), or synthetic materials that are petroleum based. Petroleum, as we are becoming ever more aware, is hardly eco-friendly. The quarrying practices used to obtain granite and the energy it takes to move the material from one place to another make it, to a smaller degree, a less than sustainable building material as well.

Recycled glass countertops are breaking the mold in both strength and sustainable living. By way of ingenuity and modern technology, recycled glass countertops offer a very hard surface that is not unlike stone. Plus, they're environmentally friendly to boot!

Instead of becoming yet another piece of trash in an ever growing landfill, some lucky bottles, mirrors, and plate glass are receiving a new incarnation in countertops that are as hard as marble. Depending on the brand, some recycled glass countertops can be made of up to 100% recycled materials!

Recycled Glass Countertop Styles
At this time, there are not as many options available that use recycled glass as there are ones that use new glass. This may change soon; as people's concerns about the environment increase, so does the demand for products that use recycled materials.

The most popular type of recycled glass countertop is made to look like terrazzo marble. It is composed of both post consumer glass chips and recycled concrete. There are a variety of sizes and colors of the glass chips. The cement that surrounds the glass is also available in multiple colors. It has the surface strength and feel of granite or marble. The price tag on this material is more than laminate or tile, but comparable to or less than granite and marble.

Ceramic tile with recycled glass content are another environmentally friendly choice. They can contain up to around 70% recycled material. They provide a scratchproof surface that is as durable and easy to install as any other ceramic tile. This type of tile is often similar in price to that of a medium grade traditional tile, making it a good option for those on a budget.

Other Eco-options
Though recycled glass countertops are not for everyone, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to be environmentally aware when remodeling your kitchen. There are many recycled plastic counter coverings on the market that will have a totally different look, and most likely cost less. Some people are even making countertops out of bamboo, which grows quickly and is quite moisture resistant. In this day and age, it's time to get creative. Using salvaged material of any kind that would otherwise be thrown away is a good idea. There are craftsmen all around the country who can turn discarded wood or metal into something beautiful enough to eat on!

5 Home Improvements that Pay Off—and 5 that Don’t

renovationFavorable economic conditions have long triggered investment in home improvements—more money, more upgrades—and progress on the housing front is set to spur the next wave of homeowner spending on both necessary and discretionary projects.

How should homeowners invest their remodeling dollars this year?  By and large, homeowners can expect to reap the highest returns on projects that cost relatively less, according to REMODELING magazine’s 2016 Cost vs. Value Report.

On a national scale, the top five projects with the greatest return on investment (ROI) in the report’s “midrange” cost category are:

Attic Insulation (Fiberglass) (116.9% ROI)
Average Cost: $1,268
Average Resale Value: $1,482
Manufactured Stone Veneer (92.9% ROI)
Average Cost: $7,519
Average Resale Value: $6,988
Garage Door Replacement (91.5% ROI)
Average Cost: $1,652
Average Resale Value: $1,512
Entry Door Replacement (Steel) (91.1% ROI)
Average Cost: $1,335
Average Resale Value: $1,217
Minor Kitchen Remodel (83.1% ROI)
Average Cost: $20,122
Average Resale Value: $16,716
On a national scale, the top five projects with the greatest ROI in the report’s “upscale” cost category are:

Garage Door Replacement (90.1% ROI)
Average Cost: $3,140
Average Resale Value: $2,830
Siding Replacement (Fiber-Cement) (78.1% ROI)
Average Cost: $14,520
Average Resale Value: $11,342
Window Replacement (Vinyl) (73.3% ROI)
Average Cost: $14,725
Average Resale Value: $10,794
Window Replacement (Wood) (72.1% ROI)
Average Cost: $18,087
Average Resale Value: $13,050
Grand Entrance (Fiberglass) (69.6% ROI)
Average Cost: $7,971
Average Resale Value: $5,545
On the whole, regional data mirror these national findings, but variations exist in markets abuzz with real estate activity. Homeowners in the Pacific region (California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington), for instance, can expect to see six of the 30 projects analyzed in the report recoup over 100 percent of their cost.

At the other end of the spectrum are projects with the lowest returns on investment—improvements generally not in demand by the market.

On a national scale, the five projects with the lowest ROI in the “midrange” cost category are:

Bathroom Addition (56.2% ROI)
Average Cost: $42,233
Average Resale Value: $23,727
Backup Power Generator (59.4% ROI)
Average Cost: $12,712
Average Resale Value: $7,556
Master Suite Addition (64.1% ROI)
Average Cost: $115,810
Average Resale Value: $74,224
Deck Addition (Composite) (64.4% ROI)
Average Cost: $16,798
Average Resale Value: $10,819
Major Kitchen Remodel (64.9% ROI)
Average Cost: $59,999
Average Resale Value: $38,938
On a national scale, the five projects with the lowest ROI in the “upscale” cost category are:

Bathroom Addition (56.7% ROI)
Average Cost: $79,380
Average Resale Value: $45,006
Master Suite Addition (57.2% ROI)
Average Cost: $245,474
Average Resale Value: $140,448
Bathroom Remodel (57.5% ROI)
Average Cost: $57,411
Average Resale Value: $32,998
Deck Addition (Composite) (57.7% ROI)
Average Cost: $37,943
Average Resale Value: $21,877
Major Kitchen Remodel (61.5% ROI)
Average Cost: $119,909
Average Resale Value: $73,707
The 2016 Cost vs. Value Report compares, across 100 markets, the average cost of 30 popular remodeling projects with their average value at resale one year later. Average resale value is calculated based on estimates provided by real estate professionals. View the full report, including project descriptions and city-level data, here.

ALERT: 10% FIRPTA—New 15% Withholding

Under current federal law, if a foreign person sells US real property, the buyer is obligated to withhold 10% of the gross sales price and remit this to the IRS.

However, pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, which became law on December 18, 2015 (the “PATH Act”), the required 10% withholding will increase to 15% for all closings occurring on or after February 16th, 2016, except those wherein the sales price is between $300,001 and $1,000,000 and the buyer acquires the property for use as a principal residence.  Under this circumstance, a reduced withholding of 10% will apply.


Sales Price $300,000 or less and buyer acquires as principal residence


No Withholding

Sales Price between $300,001-$1,000,000 and buyer acquires as principal residence


10% Withholding

All transactions—Any Sales Price and buyer NOT acquiring as principal residence


15% Withholding


In short, if a foreign person is selling a US real property interest, the following parameters apply UNLESS THERE IS A STATORY EXCEPTION FROM WITHOLDING:

No withholding is required under the following circumstances:
•    Buyer acquires for use a principal residence and sales price less than $300,000.
•    Seller provides Non-Foreign Affidavit
•    Seller  provides a Withholding Certificate from the IRS which excuses the withholding
•    The amount realized by the seller is zero
•    The property is acquired by the United States or a political subdivision thereof

Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 and Section 1031 Exchanges-2016 Update

A foreign person that sells or exchanges a U.S. real property interest is subject to a required withholding under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA). A U.S. real property interest includes sales of interests in parcels of real property.

Currently, FIRPTA requires that 10 percent of the gross sales price be withheld and remitted to the IRS within 20 days after the date of transfer. However, pursuant to a new law, the required withholding will change in February, 2016.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, which became law on December 18, 2015 (the “PATH Act”) requires a 15% withholding for all closings on or after February 16, 2016, unless the sales price is between $300,001 and $1 million and the buyer acquires the property as a principal residence, in which case only 10% will be required to be withheld.  

Additionally, Treasury Decision 9082 (effective November 4, 2003) requires all foreign sellers of U.S. real property to have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to pay the required withholding or to request a reduced tax withholding. Individuals who do not qualify for Social Security Numbers (SSN) may – by filing form W-7 – obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to meet the requirement to supply a TIN.

What is the definition of “foreign person” under FIRPTA?

FIRPTA defines a “foreign person” as a non-resident alien individual, a foreign corporation that has not made an election under section 897(i) of the Internal Revenue Code to be treated as a domestic corporation, a foreign partnership, a foreign trust, or a foreign estate. The term “foreign person” does not include a resident alien individual.

Who is required to withhold and remit the withholding to the IRS?

The buyer/transferee and certain agents of the buyer are responsible for withholding the required amount.

How and when is the withholding paid?

The tax must be reported and paid using IRS Form 8288, which must be filed with the IRS by the 20th day after the date of the transfer.

Are there any exceptions to the withholding requirement?

Yes, there are numerous exceptions to the withholding requirement. The most common exceptions are as follows:

1. Buyer acquires the property for use as a home and the sales price is not more than $300,000;

2. Seller provides a certification stating under penalty of perjury that they are not a foreign person;

3. Seller obtains a withholding certificate from the IRS that excuses the withholding;

4. Seller provides the buyer a notice of non-recognition stating that no recognition of gain or loss on the    transfer is required because of a provisions in the IRC Code or U.S. tax treaty; or

5. The amount the seller realizes from the disposition is zero.

For a comprehensive list of the exceptions, see the following IRS link:

https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Exceptions-from-FIRPTA-Withholding

How does the seller obtain a Withholding Certificate?

A transferor looking to reduce or eliminate the FIRPTA withholding amount must file a Form
8288-B, Application for Withholding Certificate for Disposition by Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property Interests. Form 8288-B requires a TIN. Thus, a transferor who does not qualify for an SSN may attach Form W-7 (application for TIN) with Form 8288-B. Foreign sellers should be aware that it takes the IRS 90 days to respond to an Application.

What is a notice of non-recognition?

A notice of non-recognition is a written notice given by the seller to the buyer stating that no recognition of any gain or loss on the transfer is required because of a non-recognition provision in the Internal Revenue Code – e.g. IRS section 1031 – or a provision in a U.S. tax treaty. The buyer is required to file a copy of the notice with the IRS by the 20th day after the date of transfer. The notice must contain the seller’s TIN. There is no promulgated form for this notice.

A buyer is personally liable under FIRPTA if there is ultimately any actual tax liability to the seller resulting from the sale. The IRS can assess the full withholding amount or the seller's actual tax liability on the sale, whichever is less, plus interest and penalties. Thus, a buyer should never close a sale in reliance on a notice of non-recognition transaction except on the advice of a CPA, attorney, or other tax advisor because personal liability can result from reliance on an improper notice of non-recognition.

What if the seller applies for a Withholding Certificate to excuse withholding and the application is still pending at the time of the disposition?

If an application for a Withholding Certificate is submitted to the IRS on or before the date of a
transfer and the application is still pending on the date of transfer, the withholding tax must be withheld, but it does not have to be paid and reported until 20 days after the withholding certificate or notice of denial is mailed by the IRS. It is important to note that if the seller’s principal purpose in applying for a withholding certificate is to delay paying the withholding, the buyer/transferee will be subject to interest and penalties.

How does withholding affect a seller’s 1031 exchange?

A seller in a 1031 exchange may use proceeds only to pay necessary expenses of sale or for the purchase of replacement property. Amounts expended for other items will be taxable. Thus, it is important for foreign sellers to recognize that using proceeds to pay the FIRPTA has a taxable consequence because FIRPTA is not considered a necessary expense of sale. To avoid this result, sellers should bring in cash to the closing agent to pay for the FIRPTA withholding, thus allowing all proceeds generated by the sale to be used in the exchange.

For more information on 1031 exchanges, please visit www.orexco1031.com or call 1-800-738-1031.

Are You Wondering What It Takes To Buy Your First Home?

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage. We want to share what the typical first time homebuyer actually looks like based on the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers. Here are some interesting revelations on the first time buyer:

Bottom Line

You may not be much different than many people who have already purchased their first home. Meet with a local real estate professional today who can help determine if your dream home is within your grasp.

Home Equity Increasing as Home Prices Rise

Some Highlights:

• 91.9% of homes in the US have positive equity
• 256,000 homes regained equity in the third quarter of 2015
• 37.5 million homes have significant equity (defined as more than 20%)

Renovation Realities

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market. Answering the following 3 questions will help you determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?

This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with money. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money. They are:

• A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
• A place where you and your family feel safe
• More space for you and your family
• Control of that space

What does owning a home mean to you? What non-financial benefits will you and your family gain from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

According to the latest Home Price Index from CoreLogic, home values are projected to increase by 5.3% over the next 12 months. What does that mean to you? Simply put, if you are planning on buying a home that costs $250,000 today, that same home will cost you an additional $13,250 if you wait till next year. Your down payment will need to be higher as well to account for the higher home price.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by even a small increase in mortgage rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors and Freddie Mac have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by approximately three-quarters of a percent over the next twelve months as you can see in the chart below:

Bottom Line

Only you and your family will know for certain if now is the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Get Ready to Negotiate!

Now that the market has showed signs of recovery, some sellers may be tempted to try and sell their home on their own (FSBO) without using the services of a real estate professional. Real estate agents are trained and experienced in negotiation. In most cases, the seller is not. The seller must realize their ability to negotiate will determine whether they can get the best deal for themselves and their family. Here is a list of some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate if they decide to FSBO:

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house.
• The termite company if there are challenges
• The buyer’s lender if the structure of the mortgage requires the sellers’ participation
• The appraiser if there is a question of value
• The title company if there are challenges with certificates of occupancy (CO) or other permits
• The town or municipality if you need to get the COs permits mentioned above
• The buyer’s buyer in case there are challenges on the house your buyer is selling
• Your bank in the case of a short sale

Bottom Line

The percentage of sellers who have hired a real estate agent to sell their home has increased steadily over the last 20 years. Meet with a professional in your local market to see the difference they can make in easing the process.

Do You Know The Difference Your Interest Rate Makes?

Some Highlights:

• Interest rates have come a long way in the last 30 years.
• The interest rate you secure directly impacts your monthly payment and the amount of house that you can afford.
• Experts predict that rates will increase by 3/4 a percent over the next 12 months.
• Secure a low rate now to get the most house for your money.