Tax Season: Can You Deduct COVID-19 Expenses?
Between working at home and kids learning from home, many Americans are hoping for tax breaks this year. However, like most tax matters, it’s complicated.
Marketing on Social Media? Don’t Be ‘Vanilla’
An occasional, “This is interesting – think I’ll post it,” won’t work. Postings should be scheduled, intentional and analyzed.
DeSantis’ Budget Proposal Addresses Climate Change
Fla.’s governor wants the Legislature to approve $25M next year for a “Resilient Florida” program that addresses coastal flooding and other climate change issues.
Where to Retire? WalletHub Ranks Fla. No. 1
To determine the best state for retirement, WalletHub weighed 45 variables, such as affordability, quality of life and healthcare – and Fla. was, and is, No. 1.
NAR: Dec. Pending Home Sales Drop 0.3%
Of four regions studied, only Midwest pending sales dropped, but it was enough to impact the entire index. Year-to-year, pending sales were up by double-digits (21%).
Move It, Move It: Van Lines Relocate People to Fla.
Florida Realtors economist: The state has attracted new residents for years, and updated migration data by moving van lines show, once again, that in 2020 more people headed south in order to call Florida “home.”
Mortgage Rates Move Lower, Down to 2.73%
The average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped from last week’s 2.77%. A Freddie Mac economist attributes it to a new administration and COVID-19 “malaise.”
Dec. New Home Sales Rise After Sharp Nov. Drop
New-home sales in the U.S. rose 1.6% last month following a Nov. drop that was worse than originally reported – a decline of 12.6% compared to Oct.
Federal Reserve Meets – Interest Rates Unchanged
Chairman Powell said the U.S. is “a long way from full recovery,” and the Fed will keep pursuing low-interest rate policies until an economic rebound is well under way.
How Would the Proposed $15K First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Work?
Pres. Biden campaigned on a new $15K credit to help first-time buyers. It doesn’t exist yet, but lawmakers will probably consider it eventually. If passed, it would likely work like the credit from 2008-2010, with a heavy spike in demand followed by a drop-off after the program ends.