Watch Out for Property Taxes when Buying a New Home

A few days ago, I was reviewing a homeowner’s Closing Disclosure from their purchase that closed with another lender. This couple had come to me when they were purchasing the home, however the builder was offering extra incentives for buyers for working with the builder’s lender. I was surprised to see that property taxes were very under-estimated.

When someone is buying a home that has recently been built, it’s very likely that the home has not yet been valued by the county’s tax accessor. The only value that has been determined is for the lot. However, once you purchase the home, even though the home has not yet been assessed, you will owe taxes on both the land and the home. The “missing taxes” are called “omit taxes”. [Read more…]

Mortgage Insurance Tax Deduction extended through 2013

With the recent passage of the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012, Congress extended the ability to deduct mortgage insurance the same as qualified residence mortgage interest. This applies to homes with private mortgage insurance, FHA mortgage insurance (upfront and monthly) as well as VA and USDA funding fees.

A qualified home, as described by the IRS, is your primary residence or your second home. You cannot collect rent on your second home or it’s…. (are you ready for this?) an investment property and not eligible for this deduction. 

This benefit is phased out for adjusted gross incomes over $100,000. Here is a chart compliments of MGIC regarding how much one may be able to deduct based on AGI:

MI Tax Deductible

The amount of mortgage insurance paid is disclosed on the Form 1098, along with the mortgage interest that was paid during that year.

For more information, please contact your personal CPA or tax professional. I am not a CPA, I am a Licensed Mortgage Originator for homes located in Washington state.  If I can help you with your mortgage needs for your home located in anywhere in Washington, including Seattle, Sequim or Snoqualime, please contact me.