Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year

Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year

If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses. For buyers, that might include things like your down payment and closing costs. And for sellers, you’re probably working on a bit of spring cleaning and maintenance to spruce up your house before you list it.

Either way, any money you get back from your taxes can help you achieve your goals. Using a tax refund is a common tactic for buyers and sellers. SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $2,897 tax refund this year. The map below provides a more detailed estimate by state:

Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year | Keeping Current Matters

If you’re getting a refund this year, here are a few tips to help with your home purchase or sale this season.

How Buyers Can Use Their Tax Refund

According to American Financing, there are multiple ways your refund check can help you as a homebuyer. A few include:

  • Growing your down payment fund – If you haven’t started saving for your down payment, let your tax refund kick off the process. And if you have a fund already, the money you get back could put you closer to your goal.
  • Paying for your home inspection – Your home inspection can save you a lot of headaches down the road by helping you determine the condition of the house. As a buyer, you’ll typically be responsible for paying for your inspection, and it’s definitely worth the investment.
  • Saving for closing costs – Closing costs are additional expenses you’ll need to pay once it’s time to close. They average anywhere between 2-5% of the purchase price of your home.

This list is a great start, but it isn’t exhaustive of all the costs you may encounter as you set out on your homebuying journey. The best way to prepare is to work with a trusted real estate professional to make sure you understand what’s to come in the process.

How Sellers Can Use Their Tax Refund

If you own a home and are planning to sell this spring, your tax refund can help you make sure your home is ready to list. Here are a few ways current homeowners can put their tax refund to good use:

  • Making small upgrades – NerdWallet provides a list of great ways to use your tax refund, including tackling small projects or boosting your curb appeal to help your home stand out.
  • Making repairs – If there’s anything in your house that needs to be fixed, American Financing notes that completing repairs is another great use of that money.
  • Buying your next home – Whether you’re selling to move up or downsize, you can use your tax refund to help pay for any costs on the purchase of your next home.

Of course, it’s important to talk with your trusted real estate advisor before taking on any projects. They’ll make sure you can focus on areas that’ll help you receive the best possible price when you sell.

Bottom Line

Funding your home purchase or sale can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Your tax refund can help you reach your goals. Connect with a local real estate advisor today to discuss how you can start on your journey.

Originally Posted By: Keeping Current Matters

5 Homebuyer Tips
Here are five tips for navigating the home buying process.
3 Financing Tips
If you are planning on buying a home using a home loan then these three tips will help you get prepared for the financing process.
Credit Score Ranges & Factors
A credit score is a number between 300–850 that depicts a consumer's creditworthiness.
Required Mortgage Documents
Every lender requires documents as part of the process of approving a mortgage loan. Here are documents you’re generally required to provide...
How to Improve Your Credit
Credit scores play a big role in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be.
The Home Inspection Process
After your offer gets accepted, you’ll have an inspection period. This is your opportunity to have a licensed inspector canvas the home looking for common issues prior to moving forward with the home purchase.
The Appraisal Process
Once you are under contract, your lender will send out an appraiser to verify the purchase price is in line with the property’s value. Here are the two most important things to know about the appraisal process.
Homeowners Insurance
A homeowners insurance policy will protect you against certain losses and damage to your new home and is generally required by lenders prior to closing.
How To Buy in a Tight Market
Here are five things tips that can increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market.
Thinking About Remodeling? Here’s some tips.
If you’ve made the decision to remodel your home before selling it, you should do some research to find the right contracting company.
Digital Photography
When selling your home, it’s important to upload high-quality images that really show it off to potential buyers.
How to Recognize a Qualified Buyer
When you’re selling your home, it’s exciting to get an offer! But unless your potential buyer has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you might not really have a sale.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Selling
If you’re thinking about selling your home and moving to a new location but you aren’t entirely sure about the idea, here are some helpful questions to ask when making up your mind.
Tips to Make the Sale Process Faster
If you’re thinking about listing your home on the market, here are some tips to make the sale process faster and easier long term.
Home Showing Checklist
If you’re selling your home and are getting ready for a home showing, here are some tips that will increase your chances of success.
How To Add Curb Appeal
Want to add some curb appeal to your home before listing it on the market? Here are some tips that will help!
How To Attract More Buyers
Attracting buyers to your home on the market is an important task in order to have it sell quickly. Here are some tips on how to convince buyers to make an offer on your home!
What to Know About the Appraisal Process
After accepting a contract for the sale of your home, the buyer’s lender will send an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value.
Is the Buyer Pre-Approved, or Not?
When selling a home, it’s important to understand the different types of loan approvals that you will come across.

Post a Comment