IRS Archives • Kay Pratt RE/MAX

Homeowner Tax Tip – Are Mortgage Points Deductible?

When you took out a mortgage to buy your home, did you pay points? You may be able to deduct that prepaid interest on your federal tax return -- but only if you meet a long list of rules. The … Continue reading...

How Long Should We Keep Our Home Records?

Unless you’re living in the 123-room Spelling Manor, you probably don’t have space to store massive amounts of tax and insurance paperwork, warranties, and repair receipts related to your home. But … Continue reading...

Six commonly asked questions about “comps”

Realtors often use the term “comps” in discussions. What are comps and how are they determined?

Downsides of carpet allowance in lieu of new carpet

Sellers often ask if they can just provide a carpet allowance on a listing in lieu of installing new carpet. In their mind, this is a benefit to the buyer since it allows the buyer to choose their own color and style of carpet. The benefit to the seller is they don’t have to deal […]

Hosting Bicycle Riders from South Korea

James and I hosted two young men – Min Ho Park Jaewon Heo – from South Korea who were riding bicycles this summer from Los Angeles to New York. They contacted us through Warmshowers.org, where we offer a room for bicycle riders to stay as they travel across America. They are following Route 66 from […]

Butterfield Overland Stage route on dirt bikes

Kay and I both love history, and we love riding motorcycles. We often combine our dual sport rides with a bit of historical sleuthing. This time we decided to follow in the footsteps of the Butterfield Overland Stage Route as it made it’s way through Oklahoma from St. Louis to the 1850’s gold fields of […]