the
Home Connection
Volume 12 | Issue 2
FEBRUARY 2021
eye on the market Along with resolutions, goals, and a fresh start, the new year has also seen an incredibly active housing market. Pending sales, new listings, closed sales, and home prices are all up in the Puget Sound region compared to last year at the same time with near double-digit increases, according to the recent report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Homebuyers also rapidly purchased available houses and despite a significant increase in property listings, still experienced intense competition as demand far outweighed supply. This shortage of inventory combined with record low mortgage rates continues to drive the voracious property demand of homebuyers which in turn is propelling the housing market.
experience this! Buyer demand has also contributed to the price escalation of houses for sale in the Puget Sound region. The Northwest MLS shows year-over-year median closedsale prices for single-family homes have increased compared with the same month a year ago. In King County prices are up by 10.43 percent, in Snohomish County up by 12.45 percent, in Pierce County up by almost 17.07 percent and in Thurston County up by nearly 17.65 percent. As sellers continue to experience multiple offer situations and price escalations, brokers predict that the first half of 2021 will continue to be a seller’s market. It will be interesting to see if 2021 brings in a surge of new homebuyers and how that may affect home prices in the coming year if inventory does not increase accordingly.
Tax tips and tricks
Virtual Family Paint Party 2/2
Virtual tour of the Seattle Aquarium
Valentine Virtual Family Cook Off 2/6
Play a virtual escape room game with friends
Density City Film Festival 2/26 – 3/7
Virtual Storytime for Kids
Interactive Valentine’s Day Games for Kids
Virtual Tour of Australia Zoo
Pacific Northwest Ballet, Streaming 2/11- 2/15
Virtual tour of Sweden and the Northern Lights
Tax season is almost here and now is a great time to get prepared. To help prevent stress, here are a few helpful tips to make the tax process as smooth as possible.
• A great first step towards preparing for
tax season is to get organized. Clean out your filing cabinet, desk, or junk drawer where you keep your mail and make sure important papers are in order.
• Create a folder for all the tax paperwork and forms you’ll need for this season that is separate from last year’s forms (including your returns) and have them ready to go in case you need to reference them.
• As soon as you have your W-2
form(s) you can start your taxes. The earlier you start the more leeway you have to correct mistakes or
to seek professional help if you realize you need it.
• Round up all 2020 receipts, canceled
checks and other documents that support income and/or deductions that you plan to claim on your return. Set aside an envelope or folder to collect the documents that arrive in the mail so you’ll have them all in one spot when the time comes to complete your return.
• Your W-2 and/or 1099 has
to be postmarked no later than January 31, so be on the lookout for delivery of these in early February.
continued on next page
February important dates Tuesday, February 2 Groundhog Day
Sunday, February 7 Superbowl
Sunday, February 14 Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 4 World Cancer Day
Friday, February 12 Lunar New Year
Monday, February 15 Presidents Day CW/Counties Closed
Tax tips and tricks continued from previous page
• Use the Interactive Tax Assistant
New Home Gadgets of 2021
available on the IRS website at www. irs.gov/help/ita to find answers to your tax questions about credits and deductions, general filing questions and more.
Home disinfection is not an easy job and now more than ever it is important to keep your home sanitized. While cleaning your house on a daily basis can be difficult and time consuming, here are a few gadgets that will ease the process and help you eliminate germs, dirt, and bacteria.
• Find everything you need to file your
• Monos CleanPod Handheld UVC safe to use on your hands and body Sterilizer. Portable hand-held sterilizing Sunytizer.com $10 device that uses a UVC light to get • Lexon Oblio Sanitizing Wireless rid of bacteria. It is also very effective Charger. This gadget uses UV LED tech against pathogens. Monos.com $90 to disinfect your smartphone from
• Let Free File do the hard work for you.
• Tao Clean Sonic Toothbrush System. germs and keeps it clean and charged This docking station uses powerful at all times. Lexon-design.com $80 Ultraviolet-C rays to keep your • Zcm Sanitizing Doormat. This doorstep toothbrush germ free, disinfected and sanitization device ensures the soles charged. The ergonomic toothbrush of your shoes remain free of germs, also has two modes that clean and bacteria, and viruses that can be whiten teeth. Amazon.com $85 attracted during your daily routine. • Sunytizer Surface and Hand Sanitizer. This doormat is also made from This sanitizing spray eliminates durable materials so it won’t need to bacteria, germs, viruses, and is 70% be replaced and the sponges can be alcohol. It is gentle, effective, and reused. Amazon.com $45
tax return at www.irs.gov. Here you will have access to forms, publications, tips and answers to FAQs as well as updates on tax law changes. It’s available exclusively at irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free.
• If you do not wish to e-file, you can
prepare your return in a variety of ways. You may also be eligible for free in-person help at a volunteer site in your community, or check with AARP.
• Double-check the accuracy of all the
Social Security numbers and other data on your return whether using tax preparation software or online services.
How to Turn Your Home Into a Staycation Destination A staycation is a great way to unwind and get some much-needed rest and relaxation without having to travel. With just a few touches, you can make your home the perfect getaway destination.
• Make sure your home is tidy: a clean home will create an
atmosphere of a hotel or charming vacation rental. It will also help you to relax since a messy home can be stressful and interrupt the “getaway” frame of mind.
• Decide the theme for your staycation: Think about the kind
of vacation you would like to simulate. A tropical escape or a cozy winter cabin for example. Then you can create the right theme for your staycation with décor, activities, and meals.
you or your family will enjoy. Set up a time for reading by the fire, games for the family, or even a camping adventure in the family room with a smore’s maker. An itinerary will keep things going and help avoid lulls.
• Transform your bathroom: If you’re looking for the spa
experience, you can try out a spa night on your staycation. Transform your bathroom by adding candles, music, a bathrobe, bubble bath, facial masks, and any other at-home treatments you have in mind.
• Build a fire pit: A warm fire can add the perfect touch to
your staycation, especially during the winter months. This cozy addition can be a great place to make smores, read, or talk with your other staycation companions.
• Plan your activities: To make your staycation feel different
than just the regular routine, plan in advance activities that
Volume 12 | Issue 2