About: Maggi Pritchard

Through a 28-year lens, tax policies on home sales haven’t kept pace with rising home values. That’s putting homeowners in a bind and stifling real estate opportunities across the board. Since 1997, the capital gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence has remained unchanged at $250,000 for individuals...

When a home goes under contract, many assume it’s a done deal, but in reality, most real estate contracts include contingencies, or conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. These clauses are designed to protect both buyers and sellers and offer a legal way to exit the...

1. Take Advantage of Homeowner Tax Benefits Mortgage Interest Deduction: Deduct interest on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt (for loans after 2017). Property Tax Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in combined state and local taxes (SALT). Capital Gains Exclusion: Exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) in profit...

In real estate negotiations, it’s not uncommon for both buyers or sellers to include expiration dates on offers and counteroffers. These deadlines serve several important purposes that help keep the process efficient, transparent, and fair to both sides. First and foremost, expiration dates create urgency. They encourage the other party...

Every home experiences some degree of movement over time, often called settling. It’s a natural part of the aging process for any structure, especially in areas with varying soil conditions, temperature swings, or after the first few years of construction. While minor signs of settling are usually no cause for...