What You Need to Know About IRS Reporting When Selling Your Home

If you’re selling your home, you might be surprised to learn that certain information regarding the sale must be reported to the IRS. This requirement stems from the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and is meant to ensure compliance with tax laws and to assist the IRS with audits. To make the process easier for you, here’s a clear explanation of what to expect when selling your property: Who is Responsible for Reporting the Sale to the IRS?According to IRS guidelines, the seller’s gross proceeds from the sale must be reported on Form 1099S. But don’t worry—you don’t have to…
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What Homebuyers and Sellers Need to Know About Statements of Information

When purchasing or selling a property, the title company plays a crucial role in ensuring that the transaction proceeds smoothly. A significant part of this process involves completing a Statement of Information (SOI), which helps the title company distinguish between individuals with similar names. This step is essential to protect all parties involved and ensure a clean title transfer. What Is a Statement of Information? A Statement of Information is a form requested by the title company from buyers, sellers, and borrowers when seeking title insurance. It contains personal details that allow the title company to differentiate the actual buyers…
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What Sellers Need to Know About Becoming a Lender with Creative Financing

Creative financing can be an attractive option for sellers, especially those with significant equity. One popular approach is carrying back a second mortgage, where the seller effectively becomes a lender to help the buyer complete the purchase. While this can be a beneficial arrangement, it’s essential to understand the risks and the protections available, particularly regarding lender’s title insurance. Why Consider Carrying Back a Second Mortgage? Let’s say you own a home worth $150,000 that you’ve held for 15 years, and you have substantial equity built up. If you receive an offer from a buyer who can put down $20,000…
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