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8 home selling mistakes you should avoid

November 23, 2021 by Robert Tucker

 Selling your house is a big decision, and you want to make sure that you are doing everything possible to get the best offer. 

It’s common for homeowners getting ready to put their homes up for sale to rush through this process before they even have all of their ducks in a row. 

People want the best offer possible given the market conditions at any given time. However, if you’re not careful about how quickly you list your property, it can lead to some serious mistakes that may cost you money in the long run. 

While getting top dollar for your house is always important, it’s tiny compared with how much it might cost if you’re not careful about what needs to be fixed before

Setting an Unrealistic Price.

Setting an unrealistic price should be avoided because it will send the wrong message to potential buyers, and they may ask for a lower offer. Writing about should I sell my house now or wait until 2021, should you should not be waiting for the perfect offers should you should not be waiting for the ideal offer?

Ignoring major repairs and making costly renovations

Ignoring major repairs and making costly renovations should also be avoided because it will make your home less marketable and increase the chances of foreclosure. 

This may lead to needing to fix them later, which can end up costing more in repairs.

Underestimating the costs of selling

Underestimating the inspection process. This includes both preparing your home for sale and inspecting it at the end of the process. For example, things like checking your windows to ensure they’re secure and ensuring that all window treatments and curtains are installed correctly and neatly.

Before listing or showing your home at any time, you should also do a final walk-through inspection of the property before putting it up for sale.

Pricing your home incorrectly

Pricing your home incorrectly can lead to losing marketability in the area and discourage buyers from making offers. It may also result in poor negotiating skills, costing you more when it comes time to close the deal with the buyer.

Selling a home with a yard in need of TLC.

Selling a home with a yard in need of TLC should be avoided because it will deter buyers from looking closer at your listing and result in lower offers. 

In addition, cleaning up overgrown yards and making sure they’re free of debris and ready for viewing is expensive and time-consuming.

No one wants to buy a house that has an overgrown yard. 

To avoid this, be sure to remove any overgrown shrubs, leaves, sticks, rocks, or anything else that can be seen outside your house.

Making the Big Decision

Underestimating the cost of selling your home is a major mistake. You never know what will happen when you go to sell your house, and misjudging this could end up costing you time and money in the long run on things like making repairs.

You never know what will happen when you go to sell your house, and misjudging this could end up costing you time and money in the long run on things like making repairs.

Ignoring major repairs and making costly renovations should also be avoided because it will make your home less marketable and increase the chances of foreclosure.

This may lead to needing to fix them later, which can end up costing more in repairs.

Pricing your home incorrectly can lead to losing marketability in the area and discourage buyers from making offers.

It may also result in poor negotiating skills which can end up costing you more when it comes time to close the deal with possible offers.

This may lead to needing to fix them later which can end up costing more in repairs.

You should be careful not to price your home incorrectly because this may result in poor negotiating skills which can end up costing you more when it comes time to close the deal with possible offers.

Selling a home with a yard in need of TLC should be avoided because it will deter buyers from looking closer at your listing and may result in lower offers. In addition, cleaning up overgrown yards and making sure they’re free of debris and ready for viewing is expensive and time-consuming.

Filed Under: Seller

Here Are 5 Tips To Help You Sell Your House Quickly At Market Value

November 21, 2021 by Robert Tucker

Selling a house under normal conditions might be challenging. As a deadline approaches, the task becomes increasingly difficult. You’ll get the best price for your home if you follow these five suggestions.

Significant life changes, such as a job loss, a family emergency, or other important life events, can necessitate a quick home sale.

What’s the good news, you ask? There is a silver lining to this story?

  • If you want to sell your house quickly, you need to deal with an experienced agent.
  • If you’d like a free consultation, please get in touch with us.
  • These five methods will help you sell your house quickly and at the market value…
  • If you’re looking for a buyer, avoid cash buyers and companies that buy equity (if at all possible).

Houses in practically any condition can be sold to “We Buy Houses For Cash” buyers who will pay cash. Sellers who engage with top-rated real estate agents can expect similar timetables, although the process may be speedier with a non-professional agent.

No matter how quickly you sell your house to a cash buyer, you will still have a considerable amount of equity available. These companies use a buy-low-sell-high strategy. An offer that is 20 to 50 percent below market value is the most likely outcome.

If you seek to sell a property in a poor neighborhood or on a cold market, this might be a viable strategy. That doesn’t mean you can’t obtain aid from a real estate agent to ensure you get the most incredible price for your property, but it’s still worth it.

A local cash buyer or house flipper may not be the best option for you if you are in one of the following situations:

  • You are going through foreclosure or inheriting property.
  • You are divorcing.
  • You have a pressing need to sell.

If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and at a lower price than local cash buyers, you’ll find that iBuyers are the best option. The speed at which they move the transaction along is also a plus. After making an offer, they can get the deal closed in 10 days.

Do not put your home on the market for sale by the owner.

Increasing numbers of homeowners are attempting to sell their properties on the open market to generate a profit. Also known as an FSBO (For Sale by Owner) ad.

This is not an option if you need to sell immediately. Only 11% of FSBO home sellers finalize a sale every year, despite 36% of home sellers attempting to do so.

FSBO-listed properties typically remain on the market for several months before they are sold.

In most cases, FSBO sellers lack the knowledge and time to sell a home swiftly. Successful real estate agents put in long hours to sell properties quickly and make the most money possible, even on the weekends and holidays.

You can save thousands of dollars on the sale of your home if you work with a top real estate agent.

Clever is a one-stop-shop for all of your needs. You can get a 50% discount on your listing with Clever.

Get going now!

Staging your home rapidly to sell it is an option.

By showcasing your home in the best possible light, you can attract more purchasers.

There must be a way for potential homebuyers to envision themselves living there. Potential purchasers may reject your home if you personalize it too much. Even if they make an offer, it may not be what you asked.

A professional stager or interior designer can assist you in preparing your property for sale. A neutral but pleasant light will be cast on the property by taking your existing furnishings and arranging them according to your preferences.

Increase your profits and speed up the selling process by repairing or replacing any noticeable flaws.

Repainting, repairing any apparent damage, changing defective light bulbs, and mowing the lawn will help you sell your house faster.

You can put your house up for auction if you want to get rid of it.

You can sell your home through a home-auction company, even though it may sound odd. Your property can be sold in a matter of days with this method. Within 30 to 90 days of the initial offer, auction houses will close.

Your home will only be shown to approved purchasers. You’ll save time and money by doing this instead of staging your home. Because of the rapidity of property auctions, potential sellers don’t have to bargain with purchasers.

Because of this convenience, there is a price tag. It’s possible to sell your home for 10-15% less at auction than if you were to sell the property on a traditional basis. It’s a terrific strategy to get your house sold quickly, but the final price is generally lower than what the market is willing to pay.

Find a local real estate agent who has a lot of expertise. If you want to sell your home quickly and for the most money, go with a local realtor. They may assist sellers in determining the best selling price, promoting their home on the MLS, and providing vital assistance throughout the entire home selling process.

High-rated agents are likely to have substantial negotiation and marketing experience. To make sure that everything is in order, they will guide you through the closure procedure. Those prepared to foot the bill for closing costs can bargain with them. 91% of home sellers use an agent to list their property.

These top-performing real estate professionals have a wealth of knowledge about the process of selling a house. You might expect to pay $3,000 or 1.5 percent of your home sales for more than $350,000.

Traditional agents’ commissions are higher. When your residence sells, you’ll only get compensated. To receive the most terrific bargain and get back to work soon, contact us today.

Selling a home at market value is one of the most often asked questions.

Do I need to get rid of my property?

If you’re in a hurry to get rid of your house, an investor might be willing to pay less than the current market price. The investors will pay for closing costs, taxes, and repairs. Until it’s sold, they’ll keep possession of the property. Investors will offer less than the property is worth as a result of these additional expenses.

Does my mortgage have an expiration date?

Selling your property for less than you owe is one alternative, but refunding any overpayment is an option as well. You’ll have to agree to pay the bank the rest of the value of your home get out of the loan.

In terms of resale, would you rather have carpet or laminate in your home?

It’s a matter of personal preference, although laminate flooring is generally the most popular. Even though hardwood is more widespread, it is more expensive. Laminate wood flooring is an excellent alternative to carpet. Installing them is a breeze, and they will add to the home’s visual attractiveness. Due to allergies, grime, and the weather, some carpeted places may not be as inviting as others.

When selling a home, what are the most important things to avoid?

Selling your house doesn’t necessitate a significant overhaul. Adding new hardware and repainting the walls is a simple way to freshen up the look of your home. Kitchen and bathroom renovations aren’t necessary. You can make a massive difference with minor fixes. Crown molding and backsplashes are superfluous extras that won’t raise the value of your home.

Filed Under: Seller

What Do Home Inspectors Look for in a House?

November 21, 2021 by Robert Tucker

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One of the common contingencies to real estate purchase agreements is a home inspection. Hired by the buyer, an inspector examines the house thoroughly for non-functioning systems, damages, and repairs that may be needed. His detailed report forms the basis for continuing with the purchase, renegotiating the sale price, allowing the seller to make repairs, or pulling out of the sale. A home inspection is recommended on purchases of new construction and re-sales and is a critical component of an escrow timeline.

Structural Components

A home inspector climbs onto the roof, pokes at the foundation, and crawls into attic space, looking for water condensation or penetration. On homes in hurricane zones, he’ll examine roof trusses to be sure they’re connected to the frame as per code. Walls are examined for leakage or mold. Floor cracks are noted, as is separation from the baseboards. The ceilings, especially around electrical fixtures, must be clear of any signs of water leakage.

Exterior Faults

Close inspection of the exterior may reveal where additional caulking is needed to prevent water seepage. Broken seals on glass, deteriorating tread steps, decking, and settlement cracks are a few items that require professional repair. Even the garage door is tested, whether it’s electronic or manual.

Roofing

The roof is examined closely for loose shingles or tiles, and the flashing is tested for tightness. Tree limbs touching the house provide a passageway for rodents and threaten the house during violent storms. Gutter debris is noted, and all drains are tested for a tight connection to the place. Skylights and chimneys also are examined for proper sealants.

Plumbing

All piping is tested, including drains, vents, and waste systems. If present, water ingress, and egress are examined, as are the interior fuel and water distributors and the sump-pump. All drains are examined for signs of leakage, mineral deposits, and the fitting of proper filtering apparatus. Inspectors may test the water for bacteria.

Electrical

All the electrical components are examined to ensure they fit and are operating safely. Conductors, grounding equipment, and distribution panels are tested for efficient operation. The location of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors also is noted in the inspection report.

Heating/Air Conditioning

The entire heating and air conditioning system is tested to verify its working condition, and the appropriate filters are examined for accumulation. Supply pipes are inspected for corrosion. Chimneys must be clear of bird nests, and the chimney frame, whether it’s brick or made of other components, is to be sound.

Insulation/Ventilation

Attic crawl space insulation and vapor retarders are noted on the inspection report. All venting fans that aren’t working also are included. Under-floor insulation, if accessed through the basement, also is examined for deterioration.

Interiors/Appliances

Doors, floors, stairways, counters, cabinetry, and the number of windows are all cited on the inspection report, along with notes on any items that don’t function as they should. This also includes testing of all interior appliances that are built-in or included in the purchase contract.

Filed Under: Buyer, Investors, Seller

How to Handle Tax Deductions on the Sale of a Home in 2022

November 20, 2021 by Robert Tucker

The IRS has rules that state that repairs like as painting, improved curb appeal, damaged door repair, or simply making the house ready for sale are not allowed to be deducted from a tax return under the current tax code. Increasing the cost basis by adding capital improvements costs is, however, permitted.

A capital improvement is defined by the IRS as “anything that adds market value to a property, extends its useful life, or adapts it to new purposes.”

IRS Publication 523 provides the following examples of value-added modifications. They can be subtracted from your tax payment:

  • Additions – Bedrooms, bathrooms, decks/patios/porches, and garages are some of the features that have been added.
  • Lawn and Grounds: Landscaping, driveways, walkways, fences, retaining walls, and swimming pools are examples of lawn and grounds items.
  • Exterior: Exterior improvements include storm windows and doors, a new roof, siding, and a satellite dish.
  • Insulation:Wherever you have gaps in the insulation, you can add more. Attics, walls, floors, piping and ductwork are all good candidates for extra insulation.
  • Systems: Heating systems, central air conditioning, furnace, ductwork, central humidifier, central vacuum system, wiring, security system, lawn sprinkler systems are examples of building components.
  • Plumbing: Plumbing is the installation and maintenance of sewage systems, water heaters, soft-water systems, and filtration systems.
  • Interior: The property’s approach to care for its residents is also called “inside maintenance.” Built-in appliances, kitchen remodeling, flooring, wall-to-wall carpeting, and fireplaces are examples of interior items.

The costs of selling your house are not tax-deductible.

What about other costs that you may deduct when selling a property? The most expensive item while selling a house is typically the real estate agent’s fee. (Unless you use a flat-fee real estate firm) which can be subtracted from your capital gains tax liabilities. The following expenses can also be deducted:

  • Administrative costs: Document retention fees, office assistants, and so on are all examples of these hidden costs that go to the broker of the agent.
  • Advertising costs: The advertising channels necessary to market the property are included in this category. They include: flyers, brochures, signage, open houses, and so on.
  • Escrow fees:The money from the buyer goes into escrow. Escrow services charge a fee for this. This money is kept in an escrow account until the job is completed and all fees, expenses, and taxes have been paid.
  • Inspection fees:Inspection fees are incurred when an inspector creates a report on the property’s shortcomings and improvements. Depending on the agreement, a seller may be required to pay for these.
  • Legal fees: In certain jurisdictions, a real estate attorney is required to complete the closing.
  • Title insurance: This protects lenders and purchasers in the event that the property’s title is contested.

This only applies if you’ve earned more than $250,000 as a single filer or $500,000 as a married filing jointly.

Active duty military moving expenses

You used to be able to deduct moving costs depending on the location of your new home and a new job. This has generally been phased out, with the exception of active military personnel. According to IRS publication 3, you must meet the following requirements:

  • A member of the armed forces on active duty
  • Military order forced you to change where you are stationed 

If you meet these criteria then the following expenses can be deducted:

  • Transportation of belongings via moving truck or moving company
  • Storage of belongings in a storage unit
  • Travel from old home to new home
  • Lodging while traveling at hotels

Property tax deductions

Before president Trump signed the Republican Tax Bill, which reduced the deduction of taxes a homeowner could take advantage of to $10,000, you were able to deduct all taxes paid to local and state governments. This includes property taxes, sales taxes, and state/local income taxes.

If you have already sold your house and want to deduct part of the property taxes, it’s critical to bring in your settlement statement so that your tax professional can clearly see what you owe. On the day of sale, the buyer may deduct taxes; however, on the day of sale and after

Mortgage interest deduction

One of the primary advantages of living in a house is the federal mortgage interest deduction, which American tax payers are entitled to. The IRS permits you to deduct up to $750,000 in yearly interest payments as of now.

It’s also advised to inquire with your tax professional if you can deduct mortgage points in addition to the mortgage interest deduction. However, according to the IRS, there are a few conditions that must be met in order to deduct points.

It is possible to deduct mortgage interest if you sold your property last year. If you’re presently selling your house, you may claim the mortgage debt you paid until the day you relinquished ownership of the property. Your lender will send you a 1098 form that details how much interest you accrued during the year.

Now that you’ve learned about some of the costs you may deduct when selling a property, consider working with professional real estate brokers for your next transaction. Federated Homes Realty, Inc. can assist you with all of your requirements and help you save even more money!

Filed Under: Buyer, Investors, Seller

The Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate: What You Need to Know

November 18, 2021 by Robert Tucker


What is capital gain?


A capital gain occurs when the value of an asset (such as real estate) goes up. Instead of paying tax on this increase in value, you can deduct it from your taxable income at the end of the year, which means you spend less tax overall. Capital Gain is might not seem like much to you now, but it could make a big difference in retirement. If the borrower sells their house for more than they bought it for (gaining capital), they will need to pay tax on this amount.

What is the capital gains tax on real estate?


The IRS has different definitions of what qualifies as a capital gain depending on what you are selling or exchanging, so read up before making any serious decisions!

If you sell your house, then any profit on the sale is considered a capital gain. If you had a loss, then the loss amount will be subtracted from your capital gains. Be aware of these complex rules and how they might affect you before making any serious decisions!

We’ve created this guide to help make sense of all the different property types and how they get taxed. You’ll learn about short-term vs long-term capital gains, why homeowners have tax benefits while renters don’t, and more.

What are the three types of property, and how do they get taxed?


There are three different types of property: real estate, stocks, and personal assets. They are all taxed differently. Your assets will determine which type of tax you will pay on them later down the line. Generally speaking, if an asset’s value goes up over

Your assets will determine which type of tax you will pay on them later down the line. Generally speaking, if an asset’s value goes up over time and you sell it, any profit on the sale is considered a capital gain. If you had a loss, then the loss amount will be subtracted from your capital gains. Be aware of these complex rules and how they might affect you before making any serious decisions!

What is a “short term” or “long term” capital gain?


A short-term capital gain occurs when a property like stocks and securities (what the IRS calls personal assets) are sold and held for 12 months or less. This type of capital gain is taxed as regular income; it’s not preferential,

How do stocks and securities play in?


When it comes to taxation, equity shares count towards your total income for the year you sell them, so owning them can be a wise decision if it helps with your taxes in the long run.

Equities are another word for stocks. Investors buy and sell equities with the hope of making a profit—in other words; they expect that their money will grow. Equity shares are how companies raise money to finance operations. If you own an equity share, you’re entitled to the benefits of any assets the company owns (like intellectual property) as well as its future profits (hence the term “equity”).

When it comes to taxation, equity shares count towards your total income for the year you sell them, so owning them can be a wise decision if it helps with your taxes in the long run.

Equity-based crowdfunding is when small amounts of money are gathered online from many people instead of one or two major investors. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Gofundme let you set up your profile to present your idea and ask for funding. Funding on these platforms comes in the form of pledges that must be paid within 30 days, but they’re “all or nothing” propositions; if you don’t reach your goal, you get nothing.”

With these companies’ profits factored in, investors are generally more willing to invest.

Conclusion


If you’re a homeowner, then your home will be considered one type of property. You’ll have to pay taxes on any capital gains that occur from the sale or exchange of this asset.

However, there are also two other types of property—stocks and personal assets. If you sell these for a profit after 12 months or less, they will be taxed as regular income, which is not preferential.

One way to avoid being taxed at this level is by making equity-based investments because those count towards total income for the year in which they are sold. However, if you drive investment through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo without reaching your goal (an “all or nothing” proposition), then investors may lose interest.

Filed Under: Seller

Are you looking to sell your home?

November 15, 2021 by Robert Tucker

We are a full service real estate company that can help you with all aspects of selling your home. Whether it’s finding the right price, marketing your property or negotiating offers, we have the tools and experience to get results for our clients. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and attention to detail every step of the way. You will be in good hands when working with us!

Selling a house can be an emotional process but we know how important it is for you to feel confident about who you choose as your agent. That’s why we take pride in being honest, trustworthy and responsive throughout each transaction. If there’s anything else you need from us just ask because our goal is always 100% satisfaction!

Contact us today if you want someone on your side during this difficult time! Call Now (973)678-4688

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Filed Under: Seller

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Federated Homes Realty, Inc. is a full service real estate agency that specializes in the sale of HUD owned and bank owned properties throughout the state of New Jersey, especially in the northern and central counties of Essex, Union, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Middlesex and Monmouth. Read More…

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