Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy used to reduce the amount of taxes owed. There are multiple ways to implement tax-loss harvesting, some of which may be more beneficial than others depending on circumstances. Mitigating taxes is a major goal of many investors. About...
Professional Insights
Professional Insights: Changes in commissions?
As most have heard, changes with how real estate commissions are structured for buyer agents have “changed.” Well, not really. In 2019, Midwest anti-trust lawsuits claimed sellers were paying inflated costs, that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was...
Professional Insights: Consider these year-end financial moves
As we enter the holiday season, your life may well become busier. Still, you might want to take the time to consider some financial moves before we turn the calendar to 2025. Here are a few suggestions: Review your investment portfolio. As you look at your portfolio,...
Professional Insights: How can business owners plan for an exit?
If you’re a business owner, you always have a lot to do and a lot to think about. But have you put much thought into how you’ll eventually leave it all behind? Even if you’re a few years away from that day, it’s a good idea to create an exit strategy. If you’re like...
Professional Insights: Heat pumps are all the buzz now, but do they really work?
With the shift toward sustainable energy solutions, heat pumps have quickly gained popularity as an efficient way to heat and cool homes. However, the success of a heat pump installation relies not only on the technology but also on a thorough understanding of the...
Professional Insights: How to minimize paying capital gains tax in real estate
Doesn’t it feel good to turn a healthy profit in a real estate transaction? Selling your property can be a lucrative move, but capital gains taxes can reduce your profits. Understanding how to reduce these taxes allows you to keep more money in your pocket. In...
Professional Insights: Heating tips to help save money
As temperatures start to drop and the vibrant foliage transforms our neighborhoods, it's the perfect time to cozy up your home for the fall season. It’s important to keep your space warm and inviting, and here are some easy heating, air conditioning and ventilation...
Professional Insights: Do you need to fear retirement?
If you’re planning to retire in a few years, are you looking forward to it? Or are you somewhat apprehensive? Are you asking yourself: “What sort of retirement can I afford?” It’s a good question — because the answer can make a big difference in your ability to enjoy...
Professional Insights: How should you respond to market cycles?
The movement of the financial markets can seem mysterious — and yet, if we look back over long periods, we can see definite patterns that consistently repeat themselves. As an investor, how should you respond to these market cycles? To begin with, it’s useful to know...
Professional Insights: Saving for retirement with real estate investments
Looking to enhance your retirement income? Real estate investing is a great option. We all know saving for retirement is important. Diversification is key, so why not add some real estate investments to your traditional investment portfolio? Whether your interest lies...
Professional Insights: Are you afraid of outliving your money?
Do you worry about running out of money during your retirement years? If so, how can you help prevent this from happening? In the first place, if you have this type of fear, you’re far from alone. Consider this: 58% of retirement savers from all age groups, including...
Professional Insights: What to know before ‘reversing’ your retirement
If you’ve retired, you may have thought you closed the book on one chapter of your life. But what happens if you need to “reverse” your retirement? Due to higher inflation and rising interest rates, many retirees are taking out more money from their retirement...
Professional Insights: Summer clean-out!
As summer approaches, you may think about getting rid of old items that have made walking through your basement difficult or finding things in your attic impossible. Or maybe you may want to give your home an uncluttered look in advance of a real estate open house....
Professional Insights: How to get the best price for your home
Thinking about selling and wondering what improvements will yield the biggest return on your investment? Let’s start with the entryway! Curb appeal is the first impression. With the snow gone, now is a great time to walk around the home and see how it fared over the...
Professional Insights: Should estate plans be equal … or fair?
When you’re creating your estate plan, your biggest priority may be taking care of your family — your spouse, grown children, grandchildren and other loved ones. And as you think of where you want your assets to go, you also may be thinking about how to be fair — but...
Professional Insights: Sell smart now and relax this summer
Spring has arrived, and the real estate market is blossoming alongside the flowers. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, spring and early summer offer a strategic advantage for sellers. Trends in home sales show that sellers could potentially get...
Professional Insights: How is your retirement income taxed?
Once you’re retired, you will likely need to draw on several types of income for your living expenses. You’ll need to know where these funds are coming from and how much you can count on, but you should also be aware of how this money is taxed — because this knowledge...
Professional Insights: Understanding value of home appraisals for buyers, sellers
Whether you’re buying or refinancing your home, getting a home appraisal is crucial for securing a mortgage or determining the fair market value when buying or selling a property. Real estate agents are not licensed appraisers. They can provide a comparative market...
Professional Insights: Start your spring cleaning now
As spring and summer approach, you may think about getting rid of old items that have made walking through your basement difficult or finding things in your attic impossible. Or maybe you may want to give your home an uncluttered look in advance of a real estate open...
Professional Insights: Time for financial spring cleaning?
Spring is almost here, which means it’s time for some spring cleaning. This year, in addition to tidying your home and surroundings, you might want to consider sprucing up your financial environment as well. Here are some suggestions for doing just that: • Improve...