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Tax Tips for New Homeowners in New Castle County, DE

Wednesday, February 22, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

It’s tax time, and many dread the prep and thought of paying them.  There are some deductions homeowners can take, so if this is your first time filing as a homeowner, make sure you get the maximum tax benefits out of your new home. 

 

  • - Homeowners can claim their mortgage interest for a tax deduction. On the chance that you’re using tax return software, it will calculate your deduction after you answer questions about your home purchase.  If you’d rather use an accountant or tax prep service to help you, they can answer all your questions. 
     

  • - If you moved more than fifty miles because of your job, or starting a new one, your expenses are tax deductible.  There are some time stipulations as well, according to number one in this guide from taxact.com;  make sure you meet the requirements before taking this deduction.
     

  • - Making your home more energy efficient by installing a solar energy system or solar water heater make you eligible for a thirty percent credit for parts and labor.  Unfortunately, the credit for geothermal heat pumps and small wind turbines has expired. https://www.energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit 
     

  • - Are you self-employed and use a room or section of your living area for a home office?  There’s a deduction for that.  The IRS has a couple of requirements, and if you don’t want to go through figuring up the standard deduction, they offer a simplified deduction, but choose which method takes more off your tax responsibility. 
     

  • - Did you pay “points” to the bank to get a better interest rate? If so, that money is tax deductible. Since points are usually 1% of your home loan, if your loan was $250,000, your tax break would be $2,500 for paying down one point. 
     

  • - Any property taxes are tax deductible, beginning the official date that you purchase the home, which is usually on your settlement statement you receive at closing. 
     

  • - Hopefully, this hasn’t happened in your first year in your new home, but if you’ve had something unfortunate happen that insurance didn’t cover, there is a casualty loss deduction for out-of-pocket expenses.  The repair cost must be more than 10% of your gross income. 

 

Don’t let all this information scare you away from doing your own taxes!  No matter how you decide to file, gather everything you would normally use to file taxes, but make sure you have the 1098 mortgage interest form from the lender, property tax receipts, and any paperwork you saved from the casualty loss repairs or alternative energy installments. Home ownership has many benefits for the homeowner, and you should take advantage of every penny you have worked so hard for to put into your new home. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: realtor.com

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How Long Will Your Home Last?

Wednesday, August 24, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

Unless you’re buying a newly constructed home, you should be aware in your new abode of the ages of different elements. The National Homebuilders Association conducted a survey of different manufacturers to determine just how long components of a house lasted with normal use.  This information can be a very useful guide to every homeowner: 

 

General House Components 

  • - Masonry, including foundations, chimneys and fireplaces can last over 100 years.  If you live in an older or historic home, pay close attention to and repair damage to mason work, especially if it’s in the foundation. 

  • - A house with good bones can last an indefinite amount of time, which is evident when you tour historic neighborhoods.  The framing and roof trusses of a house can last many years with proper care. 

  • - The lifespan of your roof depends on the material; shingles are made to last 20-30 years, determined by material make-up, and stronger materials such as copper and slate can last up to fifty years. 

  • - Most exteriors, vinyl, wood, stucco, etc., and interior walls that are well-maintained can last the life of the house.  Wooden windows have a life expectancy of 30 years, while aluminum windows will survive 15-20 years. 

  • - Floors are normally made of strong wood or wood composites and should last upwards of fifty years. 

 

Kitchen 

  • - Your cabinetry takes a lot of abuse, but well-constructed cabinets will last fifty years. 

  • - The sink’s lifespan depends on the material, and can last a lifetime.  Faucets, however, will work well for fifteen years or so before needing work or replacement. 

  • - A dishwasher used regularly will function well for about nine years. 

  • - A gas stove seems to last longer than electric ranges, about fifteen years versus thirteen years. 

 

Bathroom 

  • - Toilets, bathtubs and sink are made to last a lifetime, even though some of the working part need work or replacement over that lifetime. 

  • - If your tub is enclosed with shower doors, they should serve you well for twenty years. 

  • - A tub with jets will last at least twenty years, once again, depending on use. 

 

Major Appliances 

  • - The whole-house system you use to heat and cool should give fifteen years of service before needing some attention or replacement parts. 

  • - You can expect your hot water heater to last about ten years, but a tankless heater can last twice that long.   

  • - Most washers and dryers will do your laundry for up to ten years. 

 

There are many more components to your new house, and MetroHome’s website offers the full NAHB survey including doors, paint, and specific types of flooring, among other things.  If you’re not sure of the age of an item in your home, call a trustworthy expert who can inspect and offer some advice.  A well-taken care of home can last many years, and not only maintain its value, but shelter you and yours for a lifetime. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

Photo credit: sednainsaat.com

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Tax Benefits of Home Ownership

Wednesday, December 16, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


When listing pros of owning a home in comparison to renting one, many think of things like lower monthly payments for the roof over their heads, the freedom to renovate or simply paint as they desire, or the opportunity to finally have a garden of their dreams. Tax benefits, however, are not something many consider; learn about some of the main tax-related advantages homeownership can bring: 
 

  • Tax deduction on mortgage interest:  when a homeowner’s mortgage is no greater than $750,000, the interest on that mortgage is tax-deductible. 

  • - In 2017, the IRS made changes to this deduction, reducing the mortgage limit. If your mortgage was taken out before December 2017 and is $1 million or less, this deduction applies to your situation as well. 

  • - Having a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that meets the above standards will receive the interest tax credit as well. 

  • - In case a homeowner has two mortgages that are each less than the $750,000 limit, but the total of those mortgages exceeds the limit, not all interest is deductible.  Learn more from the IRS Newsroom. 

  • When the home was purchased, were mortgage points used as part of the loan transaction? This may qualify for a tax credit. Use this handy worksheet from the IRS to determine eligibility. 
     

  • Many have used their homes for office space this past year, but not everyone qualifies for a home office tax credit.  Those who are independent contractors or self-employed are the only taxpayers allowed this credit. 
     

  • Your lender is required to include property taxes paid on the 1098 form they send at tax time.  Property taxes paid up to $10,000 are eligible for a tax deduction. 
     

  • If you are paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), the law to receive a tax credit for this has been reinstated as well as being retroactive. House Logic has more information about the changes and benefits. 
     

 

Do not miss out on these tax deductions!  Normally, hiring a professional tax preparer will get the most benefits for you if you give them all the necessary paperwork.  Keep in mind that using an online tax prep service will ask homeowner-related questions as you work through your return, and self-tax prep is generally less expensive, depending on the software company you choose.   
 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

Photo credit: Desmond Wealth Management 

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Six Home Items You Should Inspect Now

Wednesday, July 22, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Home ownership is a big responsibility! Sure, you have the financial responsibilities, but what about maintenance? Letting your house just sit and be a shelter for you is not going to work, even if you live in a newly constructed home. It is up to you to keep it in tip-top shape! Take a day to go over these items to make certain all is well at your house: 

 

  • Roof:  Your roof is probably your home’s most important part of its structure, so inspect it well:  take binoculars or use your phone’s camera to zoom in on the roof and look at every aspect. Check for damaged, missing, or curling shingles. For a tile roof, look for cracks or missing tiles, and metal roofs should be gone over for loose screws or damage to the metal. On a rainy day, go into the attic and check for leaks. Have any issues repaired as soon as you possibly can. 
     

  • Foundation:  The other important side of your home is its foundation. Check for cracks in the bricks, look at the grading around the outside (making sure water is running away from your home), and check for gaps in the outdoor walls and windows. On the inside, look for sagging floors or bowing walls, doors that do not want to close or windows that do not want to open. These are all signs of possible foundation issues. 
     

  • Siding:  Look for peeling, blistering, or fading paint, as these may be signs that you need new siding. Check for rot and warping on the soffits and any fascia boards. Visible mold can be a sign of a major moisture issue and should be investigated by a pro. 
     

  • Plumbing:  Grab a flashlight and go under your sinks and look for any signs of leaking. Toilets can leak “silently,” and you can figure out where the leak is coming from with a little food coloring and time.  Inspect around the water heater for any signs of leaks as well. 
     

  • Smoke/CO Detectors:  If you have battery-operated detectors, checking the batteries is fine, but you need to be sure they are working as well. CO detector kits are available at most home stores and testing a smoke alarm is as simple as blowing out a candle and allowing the stream of smoke drift towards the smoke alarm. Be sure to let everyone in the house know you are “crisis testing” the alarms! 
     

  • Gutters:  On a rainy day, or using the water hose, check to be sure gutters and downspouts are running freely (no clogs), and have no leaks around the seams. 

 

Taking the time to look carefully at possible problems in your house can save you time and money down the road, especially if you plan on reselling the house in the future. You are protecting your investment and protecting your family as well. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: State Farm

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8 Things Homeowners Should NOT Be Doing

Wednesday, July 3, 2019
by Tucker Robbins


Homeowners know that to-do lists are almost always too long, but what about don’t-do lists? Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have been in your home for ten years, here are a few things you shouldn’t be doing: 
 

  • - Testing the smoke detectors incorrectly:  sure, the battery needs to be checked, but so does the smoke detection.  Light a match, preferably a kitchen match, and blow it out, holding it next to the detector.  If the alarm sounds, great; if not, replace the battery.  You may need a new smoke alarm. 
     

  • - Using incandescent light bulbs:  LED and fluorescent light bulb technology is getting better aesthetically speaking, so the extra cost to replace your incandescent bulb will make up for itself in the end.  You won’t be buying new ones for at least one year, plus your energy costs will decrease. 
     

  • - Keeping the old thermostat:  replace it with a programmable, or even better, a smart thermostat.  You will notice a difference in your electric bill! 
     

  • - Not checking gutter guards:  gutter guards are great for keeping leaves, larger twigs or pine straw from clogging the gutters, but dirt, seeds, as well as other smaller materials can still get in and cause problems.  Check your gutters at least every six months. 
     

  • - Ignoring your roof:  just because you’re not seeing it up close and personal every day, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need inspecting occasionally.  Learn more about how to be kind to your roof here.
     

  • - Setting the mower to the lowest cut:  cutting your grass too far down can cause it to die.  It will not keep you from mowing less!  Cutting the grass 1-3 inches in length will keep it beautifully green.
     

  • - Planting trees close to the house:  small trees that can reach thirty feet in height should be planted ten feet or more away from your house, while taller trees need to be at least thirty feet away. 
     

  • - Watering the landscaping in the evening:  your way to relax after a long day may be gardening but giving your plants a drink in the evening can cause mildew and other fungi to grow.   

 

Keeping these don’t-do’s in mind will help you save money, besides keep your home safe and in good living condition!  Also think of it as less to do, thus freeing up your time to enjoy being home with your family. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

Photo credit:  5homebest.com

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From Tenants to Homeowners in New Castle County, DE

Wednesday, June 20, 2018
by Tucker Robbins

Whatever the reason you’ve decided that it’s time to go from renting a place to live to purchasing a home of your own, there is plenty to consider.  From down payments to paint, many factors of home ownership are different than when you’re a tenant in someone else’s home.   

 

  • - Begin budgeting now, if you do not already.  Homeownership has more expenses involved than renting, and you need to be able to manage your money properly. 

  • - Check your credit score and correct any mistakes, or do what it takes to bring your numbers up. 

  • - Start saving towards your down payment.  

  • - Be realistic.  You know about how much you can afford, so don’t start your initial search in the luxury homes sections. 

  • - Once your financial things are in good working order, shop around for a loan, and talk with the lender about your pre-approval amount.  Knowing how much you can afford will help keep you in check when it comes to the house searching. 

  • - Don’t balk at browsing other homes besides houses--there are affordable townhomes and condominiums that could be perfect for you as your first home purchase. 

  • - Think about your community options--do you want to live in a managed community (HOA), a rural area, new construction in a planned community, or an older suburban neighborhood?  Each can affect how much you pay in HOA fees, taxes, or maintenance costs. 

  • - If you have renter’s insurance, and you should, you’ll note that a homeowner’s policy costs more, because it covers much more than just your belongings.  Speak with your insurance agent about a quote so you can budget accordingly. 

  • - On the chance that you decide to relocate, you can choose to rent your property and become a landlord yourself.  You will have money from the rent to pay towards your mortgage payment, or, if the house is paid for, begin building a nest egg. 

  • - Purchasing a newer house than what you’re renting can save money in the end, because of less up-front maintenance, as well as being more energy efficient, thus having lower utility bills. 

 

Think about the freedom to paint your living room teal blue if you like, and feeling like dancing and not having to tiptoe because there are no neighbor’s downstairs.  As soon as you are ready, contacting a Realtor to help you get started is the first step you’ll need to take, as they are your guide during the whole home-buying process.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

Photo credit: financetypes.net

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Photo of Tucker Robbins Real Estate
Tucker Robbins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
3838 Kennett Pike
Wilmington DE 19807
(302) 777-7744 (direct)
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