The IRS actually has many tax advantages to buying a house. I was reading an article on RealEstateABC.com recently and it really helped explain many of those advantages in layman’s terms. I’ll touch on a few to light the fire.

For example, if you buy and live in your house for two out of the past five years, you can make up to $500,000 on the sale of that house and pay no federal income tax. This is if you are married, it’s up to $250,000 if you are single. But it’s pretty amazing, the first time I heard this I could hardly believe my ears. I mean you have to actually live there as your primary residence, so please don’t try this on a rental.

Did you know that moving expenses related to a new job may be tax deductible? It’s been raised to 18 cents a mile just last year. There is some fine print; such as your new job must be at least 55 miles from your previous home. There is also requirements for a “time test.” You can read more about that on the IRS website.

Some other ways to save is by deducting the interest on up to one million dollars of home mortgage debt, this can also be used for a second home. You can also deduct the interest on home equity debt, up to $100,000; even it is not used for home improvements.

The last little tidbit I picked up from the IRS is helpful when you have to pay off your mortgage early. For example, if you have to move for work or personal reasons and it is necessary to pay off your mortgage early there is typically a “Pre-Payment Penalty.” You can actually deduct that penalty as home mortgage interest. Of course it cannot be a penalty for a specific service performed or cost incurred in connection with your mortgage loan.

These are only a few of the possible ways to take advantage of the tax deductions. You’d definitely want to talk to a tax professional to find out how much you can save. It’s time to start enjoying all the tax advantages of home buying.

Everyone knows moving to a new house can be nerve-racking. Even if it’s just down the street, your canine companion can become just as stressed as you. So how can you reduce this stress? For starters, good planning never hurts.

But if you’re like me, your dog is part of your family. You want to make it a happy time. Branndon and I purchased our Golden Retriever from a local breeder while shopping for our Wedding Reception site. Believe me, it was not planned to leave with a new puppy. But with a little pout on my future husband and I was a goner. We had a new puppy, Tobey. Branndon and I still laugh about how we got him, and neither of us would change a thing. He’s family.

When Branndon and I moved back to Orange County after a couple of years in Santa Barbara, we didn’t have too long of a drive. Tobey is always with us, we take him where ever we can, so he was used to being in the car for long periods of time. We’ve all been to Monterey, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria… they all have accommodations for dogs. I like to search online at PetsWelcome.com for pet-friendly places to stay. Some hotels like to pamper them with dog massages and special plates from Room Service. One of my favorites is the Fess Parker in Santa Barbara.

“What can I do to make the move easier?” you might ask. Now, I do things that are pretty simple, but I think they go a long way. I make sure to stop at least every hour to let Tobey relieve himself and stretch his legs, not to mention my own. I’ve read that you’re not supposed to give your dog water before the trip, because they might have an accident in your car. I’m bad and don’t listen; I give water and food. But, I know Tobey, we’ve taught him to let us know when he needs to go and I know he can hold it for at least 8 hours when we go to bed. So, for me if something happened it would be my fault. I think you need to know your dog. You know whether they should or shouldn’t eat or drink on a road trip.

Having treats on hand can always bring a smile to your canine companion. Bringing their favorite bed or blanket can make their transition easier. And don’t forget; always bring extra disposable plastic bags. I always seem to run out at the most inopportune times. Learn from my mistakes and have a happy move.