A mortgage escrow account, also known simply as an escrow account, is a financial arrangement set up by a mortgage lender to manage and disburse certain payments related to the property on behalf of the homeowner. The purpose of an escrow account is to ensure that essential expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners’ insurance, are paid on time. Here's how a mortgage escrow account works: Creation of Escrow Account: When you obtain a mortgage loan, your lender may require you to establish an escrow account. This account is typically separate from your mortgage loan account. Monthly … [Read more...]
A New Homebuyer’s Guide to Understanding Property Taxes
Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with various responsibilities, including understanding property taxes. Property taxes are a crucial aspect of homeownership, as they contribute to local government funding and services. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about property taxes as a new homebuyer. What Are Property Taxes? Property taxes are taxes imposed by local governments on property owners. These taxes are based on the assessed value of real estate properties, including land, buildings, and improvements. The revenue generated from … [Read more...]
First Time Buyers: Understanding How Property Taxes Work and What You Can Expect to Pay
Are you about to buy a house or condo for the first time? Congratulations! Owning your own piece of real estate is a liberating experience and one that will provide you with the foundation to build your personal wealth and equity. Once you own your own home you'll be responsible for a variety of new costs, including property taxes which are assessed by your local government to pay for municipal services. In this blog post we'll share how property taxes work and what you can expect to pay when you buy your new home. It All Begins with a Local Property Tax Assessment As mentioned above, local … [Read more...]
It Is Tax Time Again Learn About Tax Deductions and How to Write off Your Home Mortgage Interest
Much to the frustration of taxpayers all over the country, the tax-filing season begins in January and runs through April 15 of each year. The year 2020 brought us many changes, including an extension on filing taxes. Taxes this year are due on July 15th. Are you ready? As the current tax season approaches, it presents an opportunity to help tax-payers clarify their responsibilities and remind them of certain important tax deductions that may be available. Filing Responsibilities Every person in the United States is required to file their tax returns by July 15 so long as they have some form … [Read more...]
Tax Time 2015: How Buying a New Home Can Impact the Amount of Tax You’ll Pay
Few people consider the tax implications of buying a home, but there are many. Here are a few ways buying a home can impact the amount of tax you pay. Mortgage Interest Most people put down the minimum amount of money needed to buy a home and finance the rest, usually over 30 years. This means that, especially in the early years of the loan, most of what they are paying are the finance charges. The good news is that all that interest is tax-deductible for people who itemize their deductions, which adds up to several thousands of dollars in deductions annually. You also can deduct interest on … [Read more...]