Eliminating or curtailing the mortgage interest deduction would have a disproportionate impact on younger, middle-class families, who would see their ability to become owners significantly diminished, with sober implications for their longer term financial prospects, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress today. 

“How housing is treated in any future tax reform will shape the economy going forward,” Robert Dietz, an economist and assistant vice president for NAHB, testified during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on tax reform options to provide incentives for homeownership. 

Most Americans consider homeownership to be their single best long-term investment and a primary source of wealth and financial security. According to the 2007 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of a home owner is $234,600, compared to $5,100 for renters. 

“We believe that any policy change that makes it harder to buy a home, or delays the purchase of the home until an older age, will have a significant long-term impact on household wealth accumulation and the make-up of the middle class as a whole,” said Dietz. 

In the short term, tampering with the mortgage interest deduction would undermine an already fragile housing market and wreak havoc on the tenuous economic recovery by hurting housing demand, which would place downward pressure on home prices. In turn, this would leave more home owners underwater and trigger even more foreclosures. 

This cornerstone of American housing policy provides benefits for home buyers at all income levels and retains overwhelming public support. In a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in June of 2011, 89 percent of the respondents said that homeownership is an important part of the American Dream and more than nine in 10 opposed doing away with the mortgage interest deduction. 

Public support runs strong, despite misleading claims that the deduction benefits only wealthy taxpayers and only a small number of home owners utilize the deduction because they must itemize their deductions in order to claim it. 

Setting the record straight, Dietz told lawmakers that 70 percent of the tax benefits go to middle-class home owners who earn less than $200,000 and that a deduction that reduces the net cost of monthly house payments is particularly important to younger home buyers, who typically have large home loans and less equity and are paying mostly interest in the early years of the mortgage. 

Dietz said that arguments that most home owners do not itemize and cannot benefit from the deduction are false. 

“Out of 75 million home owners, 35 million claimed the mortgage interest deduction in 2009,” he said. “This fails to take into account the millions of taxpayers who are renters and one day aspire to own a home of their own and the roughly 25 million who own their homes free and clear and used the deduction in the past. The bottom line is that 70 percent of home owners with a mortgage have claimed the deduction.” 

Dietz also stressed the importance of several other housing tax incentives, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which is the most successful affordable rental housing production program in the nation’s history and produces approximately 90,000 full-time jobs per year.

The second home deduction is also important for many who do not think of themselves as owning two homes. “For example, the second home deduction facilitates moving when owning two homes during the tax year and also permits existing home owners to claim interest on a construction loan for a future home,” said Dietz.

Eliminating the mortgage deduction for second homes could threaten the economic viability of second home and vacation markets.

“We are not just talking about well-known coastal markets, but also small towns in states such as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Colorado and Florida,” said Dietz. “And nearly every state has areas with significant numbers of second homes; 49 states have a county where at least 10 percent of the housing stock consists of second homes.”

Home owners are also allowed to deduct interest on up to $100,000 of home equity loan debt. Half of all home equity loans are used for remodeling and home improvement, which provides jobs and are important activities for a nation with an aging housing stock.

As policymakers look to create jobs and boost economic growth, housing has an important role to play, said Dietz.

“Building 100 single-family homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs,” he said. “Housing can act as a catalyst for job growth and an economic recovery because home building employs such a wide range of workers.”

M/I Homes is the newest homebuilder to join the builder team at Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-designed residential community located in Katy/Fulshear.   The builder’s 60-foot lot model home will be constructed in the new Firethorne West Model Park.  Firethorne is situated 10 and 15 miles west of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor, respectively.

M/I Homes’ one- and two-story homes, available in brick, stone and stucco exterior elevations, will range from 2,000 to 3,400 square feet and priced from the $220,000s. The builder’s signature features include soaring windows, rotundas, structural and designer options and a 30-year transferable structural warranty.

“We hand-select each of our builders based upon their high standards for design, quality, customer satisfaction and reputation,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. Currently completing the Firethorne builder team are: Ashton Woods Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes and David Weekley Homes.

Firethorne, located in the top-ranked Katy Independent School District and Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, features 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, resort-style swim center, new competitive swim center, sports fields, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. 

To tour Firethorne, visiting both new construction and resale homes, call me at 713-818-2404. I have sold Katy real estate for over 22 years and would be delighted to hear from you!

Article compliments of The National Association of Realtors, written by Joseph D’Agnese

Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in. 

1. Keep your home well-maintained on the outside

Burglars want an easy target. Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself: Does my property look neglected, hidden, or uninhabited? A front door or walkway that’s obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window. To improve security, trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks.

2. Install motion detector lights

All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting, not just the front. Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each, and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place.

3. Store your valuables

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics, cash, jewelry, and other valuables, though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV. Most make a beeline for the master bedroom, because that’s where you’re likely to hide spare cash, jewelry, even guns. 

Tour each room and ask yourself: is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box? Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) that’s bolted to your basement slab is a good repository for items you don’t use on a daily basis.

4. Secure your data

While you probably won’t be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon, take steps to back up the personal information stored on it. Password protect your login screen, and always shut off your computer when not in use (you’ll save energy, too!) Don’t overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify, like digital photos.

5. Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens

• Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home, and store the file online or in your home safe.

• Check that you’re properly insured for theft. Note that high-ticket items in your home office, such as computers, professional camera equipment, or other business essentials, may require an additional rider or a separate policy.

Joseph D’Agnese is a journalist and book author who has written numerous articles on home improvement. He lives in North Carolina.

According to a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® survey of 3,793 adults conducted by Harris Interactive, home owners and renters agree that home ownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens our communities, and is integral to our nation’s economy.

Among the findings of NAR’s “American Attitudes About Homeownership” survey:

• The vast majority of both home owners and renters say that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. Even in today’s challenging economy, 95% of owners and 72% of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home.

• Home owners are much more likely to be satisfied with the quality of their family and community life than renters. While more than half of owners (56%) are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with the overall quality of their familylife, only about one-third (36%) of renters report the same levels of satisfaction. Also, 43% of home owners are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with their community life, compared with 30% of renters.

• An overwhelming majority of home owners are happy with their decision to own a home. A full 93% of owners surveyed would buy again.

• Most renters aspire to home ownership. The majority of renters (63%) say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a home at some point in the future. Among them, young adults (18- to 24-years-old) have the strongest aspirations for home ownership.

The survey also confirmed that home owners and renters continue to have concerns about the economy:

• In today’s market, many aspiring home owners face worries about job security and credit worthiness. Among renters who are “very” or “extremely” likely to buy a home in the future, three out of five consider confidence in job security or creditworthiness to be an obstacle.

• Home owners and renters both believe that the mortgage interest deduction should not be targeted for change. 74% of owners and 62% of renters say it’s “extremely” or “very” important that the MID remain in place.

Given the strong public support of and aspirations for owning a home, we need to keep in place policies that support and encourage responsible, sustainable home ownership. 

Pricing a home competively from the beginning is very important. Your largest number of showings occur in the first two to three weeks. The multiple listing service and the Internet drives the majority of showings. That’s why real estate experts stress that it’s important that sellers set a competitive, realistic price from the start.

Consider sweetening the deal. Sellers may be able to lure more buyers by offering some extra incentives such as leaving that top-of-the-line washer and dryer. Some items may be difficult to move like wall-mounted flat-screen TV’s. These perks may add a little extra to attract buyers and become extra selling points, too.

Make sure the home is show-ready and in move-in-condition. In smaller homes, for example, clutter can mean the difference between cozy and cramped. Sellers must keep their homes clean and clear of clutter, particulary the kitchen and bathroom countertops that tend to accumulate personal items that can hamper the house’s features. However, sellers shouldn’t pack up all their decorative pieces creating a sterile environment.

Real estate experts also stress the importance of sellers’ getting a home in move-in condition such as fixing all repairs and doing replacements before it’s listed. Today’s busy buyers want a turn-key property.

For a free market analysis and suggestions on how to market your home, please call me at 713-818-2404. I have sold Katy real estate for 22 years!

Gorgeous former Trendmaker one-story model with lots of upgrades has gone on the market in Grand Lakes at 6414 Dylan Springs. From the moment you enter, you’ll notice that crown molding and architectural details abound. There’s even a “secret” room for storage!

French doors lead into the study.You’ll find granite countertops in kitchen and master bath. The island kitchen is a cook’s delight with 42″ cabinet, a large pantry and gas cooking. The custom refrigerator has cabinet front; it stays with the house.

The rooms are over-sized rooms to accommodate large furniture. A wall of windows in family room looks out over the fully landscaped backyard. There’s a Rainbird sprinkler system throughout the yard. Custom draperies remain with the house.

You will be delighted with the air-conditioned extra room in garage.  It’s currently being used as an exercise room; it has so many wonderful possibilities!

For a great photo slide show, see HAR.com, MLS # 78724054. For a private tour, call me at 713-818-2404! This home will be held open on Sunday, June 26, 1-4 p.m.

Last chance to register for KPC’s Unplugged Adventures: Let’s Go Fly a Kite! On Saturday, April 16, KPC will host kite enthusiasts at our Indiangrass Preserve from 1 PM – 3 PM. We’ll have an afternoon of flying kites in the clear skies of the windy prairie, plus an exclusive kite-making lesson with experts. We’ll be giving away free kites to the early birds. After the lesson you can take a short hike around our Indiangrass Preserve, where the Native Seed Nursery is in the full flush of spring. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch!

Date: Saturday, April 16 from 1 PM to 3 PM

Where: Indiangrass Preserve 

Space extremely limited and registration is required. Email info@katyprairie.org or call 713.523.6135 for more details.

Wondering how to dress for trips to the prairie? Remember to always wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. A long-sleeved shirt and a hat are also recommended.     

I love this photo and immediately thought it would be a great analogy for the recovering real estate market. Steadily and most assuredly the Katy real estate market is making great strides.

Certain areas of Katy, especially those houses south of I-10, are experiencing a very competitive market. In most sections of Cinco Ranch, it is not a buyers market.

Public perception seems to lag behind the current market movement. Sometimes a buyer has to lose several houses when they make low-ball offers before they enter into competitive negotiations.

To tour Katy homes and work with a Realtor who can assist you in selecting a home, navigate repairs and negotiations, call me at 713-818-2404. I have sold Katy real estate for over 21 years. Experience does count!

Katy’s reputation as the nation’s number one “most notable high-growth area” has attracted a major national homebuilder, Columbus, Ohio-based M/I Homes. This top national builder is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (MHO).

M/I Homes now has a model home under construction in Cinco Ranch. It plans to open the model in early April to showcase all-new floor plans and architectural designs created especially for the Houston market after extensive research with local homebuyers.

M/I Homes will offer new homes priced from the $450,000s to $550,000s in Cinco Ranch, with plans ranging from 3,200 to 5,200 square feet. M/I Homes will build on 80-foot-wide homesites in the Cedar Grove Village neighborhood in Cinco Ranch.

Founded in 1976, M/I Homes is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, currently operating in 10 additional markets outside of Houston, mostly located in the Midwest and Eastern United States.

“With its strong employment base, Houston has one of the most vibrant economies in the United States, and it was a good fit for expansion outside of our current template in the Midwest and Southeast region,” said Dennis Bailey, region president for M/I Homes.

Bailey noted that Katy’s growth was particularly impressive within the Houston region, with the Gadberry Group naming it as the nation’s top high-growth area for 2010.

With its high customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power Associates and features such as a 30-year structural warranty on all new homes, M/I Homes is the type of homebuilder that Cinco Ranch developer Newland Communities looks for when expanding the community’s new-home offerings, said Heather Gould, marketing director for Newland Communities.

M/I Homes’ new plans for Cinco Ranch emphasize traditionally styled exteriors with lots of stately curb appeal. With steeply pitched roof lines, these one- and two-story plans blend timeless materials such as stone, brick and stucco. Inside, the plans emphasize dramatic volume spaces such as soaring foyers and wide-open family rooms. The plans combine high-design details with functionality and flexibility.

A rotunda-shaped foyer in one plan, for example, creates a memorable first impression while also providing easy access to several different rooms off the foyer. One plan has a master suite closet with a secret door to the laundry room, providing for convenience while preserving the suite’s privacy!

Beazer Homes, an Atlanta based builder, recently closed on 209 acres on FM 1463 for a development to be called Churchhill Farms. According to The Houston Chronicle,  ”Named after the founder of Fulshear, Churchill Fulshear, Churchill Farms will have 550 lots, more than 40 acres of open space, a 10-acre lake and a community pool and clubhouse.” The first model homes are scheduled to open in January 2012.

The Cardiff family, one of Katy’s oldest families, retained this last tract of the old family homestead. The land was purchased by the Cardiff family in 1924 and recently sold to Beazer.

The Chronicle went on to say, “Homes will range from $150,000 to $250,000, depending on the lot sizes. The smaller lots are targeting single professionals working in the Energy Corridor in west Houston or medical professionals working in the hospitals along I-10. The larger lots will likely house move-ups.”

Beazer has announced that preliminary plans include 16 acres of retail and commercial development.

To tour Katy or Fulshear homes and work with a Realtor who can assist you in negotiations, call me at 713-818-2404. I have sold Katy real estate for over 21 years. Experience does count!