This 12 issue newsletter focuses on ways to get the most out of your home, by giving current and timeless advice on refinancing, buying your first home and how to avoid common mistakes made by homeowners, wannabe homeowners and renters. So whether you are buying, refinancing or thinking about either, every issue covers a topic that will help you no matter what stage of homeownership you are in.

If you are going to live here less than two
years, keep on renting. The current tax laws allow
homeowners to avoid taxes on the profits from
selling a home, but only if you've lived in the
home a minimum of two years. If you realize a
capital gain on selling your home the government
allows a profit of up to $250,000 for a single
person and $500,000 for married persons without
paying taxes on that gain. If you have not lived
in the home two of the last five years before
selling it, you will not be exempt from the taxes.

Despite all the great loan opportunities
available, get your finances and other loans under
control before purchasing your home. Lenders often
base the interest rate and terms of your m0rtgage
on your credit score and history. To get the best
loan, you will need to make sure that you have
down payment money and a clean credit report.

No matter how new or in what great condition a
home is in when you buy it, the home will require
maintenance. You need to understand that your home
is a financial investment. It will be worth more
if you can commit the time and money needed to
keep it in good shape and updated while you live
in it.

M0rtgage interest is a straight deduction from
your inc0me tax, plus you can deduct real estate
taxes. For example: If you are in the 28% tax
bracket and pay monthly on a $150,000 loan, you
can receive a credit that will reduce your annual
inc0me taxes by about $3,600 ($300 per month)!

Hire a Realtor, buy a home in the right
location, reside in the home for a decent amount
of time, and take good care of the home. When you
sell, you should realize a gain on your
investment.

Home ownership allows you to decorate,
landscape, upgrade or change the home to suit your
lifestyle and tastes. As a rentor, it doesn't make
sense to spend money redecorating someone else's
home.

If you are new to the area and want to live in
an apartment for awhile before you buy, be careful
where you rent. When renting for six months to a
year, you will probably become attached to that
area. You will become comfortable with the stores,
Dr. offices, services, and general location.
However, when it comes time to buy, many people
become reluctant to leave that area, yet the home
that they want to buy does not exist anywhere near
the apartment. This can create a "real estate
trap." Hire a Realtor. Have them educate you on
the different areas that may suit your lifestyle
and on the neighborhoods that may interest you
when you are ready to buy.