The high end market remains challenging. Buyers are showing that they prefer renovated homes, and flats lots with plenty of outdoor living and views. Homes built on up or down slopes remain challenging to sell, so the correct offer price point is crucial for the seller to consider. Otherwise, “days on market” accrue and homes end up selling for much less than anticipated.

With serious pent up buyer demand in all price points, I believe this is truly a seller’s market, most particularly in the lower and up to $2,000,000 price range. If you are considering selling, 2018 is the time to do it. Let me know if I can be of help navigating this market.

Best Wishes to you and your family, Melanie Snow

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

At home, the hue can be incorporated sparingly or as a statement, from artwork to furniture to walls. Experts at the Paint Quality Institute (PQI) are forecasting rich, spirited tones, including deep blues and purples, while paint providers Dunn-Edwards, Pratt & Lambert and Sherwin-Williams are predicting a blue-green range of shades.

How will you add the 2018 colors of the year to your home?

Under this bill:

Mortgage Interest Deduction

• The final bill reduces the limit on deductible mortgage debt to $750,000 for new loans taken out after 12/14/17. Current loans of up to $1 million are grandfathered and are not subject to the new $750,000 cap. Neither limit is indexed for inflation.
• Homeowners may refinance mortgage debts existing on 12/14/17 up to $1 million and still deduct the interest, so long as the new loan does not exceed the amount of the mortgage being refinanced.
• The final bill repeals the deduction for interest paid on home equity debt through 12/31/25. Interest is still deductible on home equity loans (or second mortgages) if the proceeds are used to substantially improve the residence.
• Interest remains deductible on second homes, but subject to the $1 million / $750,000 limits.

Deduction for State and Local Taxes

• The final bill allows an itemized deduction of up to $10,000 for the total of state and local property taxes and income or sales taxes. This $10,000 limit applies for both single and married filers and is not indexed for inflation.
• The final bill also specifically precludes the deduction of 2018 state and local income taxes prepaid in 2017.