the
Home Connection
Volume 13 | Issue 2
FEBRUARY 2022
eye on the market For the start of the second month of the 2022, there’s excitement in the air for what this year’s real estate market will bring. Intense shortages of inventory, along with record-low temperatures and snow put a strain on recent housing activity, beyond the typical seasonal slowdown. Statistics from the MLS showed the volume of new listings added area-wide dropped by 12.3% last month, as compared with the same month a year ago. Year-over-year inventory, pending sales, and closed sales all fell by double digits. However, prices on homes rose by close to 17.4 percent overall for homes in most counties. The data coming from Northwest MLS gave us a deeper dive into the closed sale price escalations for specific counties, compared with the same month a year ago. In King County prices are up by 9.46 percent, in Snohomish County up by 36.99 percent, in Pierce County up
experience this! by almost 18.87 percent, in Thurston County up by almost 20.50 percent, and in Spokane County up by nearly 23.8 percent (Spokane Association of REALTORS). According to brokers, buyers are hoping for an influx of inventory this upcoming season. More housing units could potentially function to slow down price growth of the area’s existing housing and relieve the intense competition buyers continue to experience. High buyer demand has kept the pressure on for securing a sale and sellers are still seeing multiple offers, waived inspections, and cash offers to close the deal. However, sellers are also having difficulty in this hot market with trying to find replacement properties, which has in turn discouraged potential sellers from listing their homes. As we enter into the spring market, it will be interesting to see if these conditions change and how sellers and buyers will interact during the busiest season in real estate.
Tax tips and tricks
The Play That Goes Wrong 2/3
Valentine’s Concert 2/11
Seattle Boat Show 2/4-2/12
29th Annual Hillsdale Brewfest 2/19
Belgian Fest 2/5
Inlander Restaurant Week 2/24-3/5
Run or wine 5K & 8K 2/5
Love in the Market 2/26
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 prep 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
Historic Pub Crawl 2/10
Green River Glass Show & Sale 2/26
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 1 Lunar New Year
Friday, February 4 World Cancer Day
Monday, February 14 Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, February 2 Groundhog Day
Sunday, February 13 Superbowl
Monday, February 21 Presidents Day CW/Counties Closed
Tax tips and tricks
continued from previous page
• Use the Interactive Tax Assistant
Tips for Cleaning Your Home Office Cleaning your at-home office is a perfect reboot to make your workspace healthier, pleasant, and more efficient. Here is a guide to help make your home office a great environment to work in.
• Clean your desk. Clear your desk as much as possible, then wipe down entire desk with a damp cloth and a small amount of anti-bacterial spray. • Keep your keyboard clean. Use a can of compressed air to spray debris from in between the keys. Wipe down keyboard with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
• Sort and declutter your workspace. Clear any unnecessary items from your desk and decide what papers or materials to file or throwaway. Create a layout for your computer, phone, and other needed materials that gives your desk a good flow.
• Organize desk cabinets. Go through your desk drawers and make sure your supplies, paperwork and other • Dust and vacuum. Vacuum the floor desk contents have been sorted and carpeted areas in your home office and stored well. Desk filing systems and dust all the surfaces in your space. and drawer organizers can also be a • Take out garbage regularly. Keep the helpful purchase to create an efficient trash bin near or under your desk tidy layout for your items. and takeout the garbage before the bin gets too full.
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.
• Find everything you need to file your
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.
• Let Free File do the hard work for you.
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. you or your family will enjoy. Set up a time for reading by • Make sure your home is tidy: a clean home will create an the fire, games for the family, or even a camping adventure atmosphere of a hotel or charming vacation rental. It will in the family room with a s’mores maker. An itinerary will also help you to relax since a messy home can be stressful keep things going and help avoid lulls. and interrupt the “getaway” frame of mind. • Transform your bathroom: If you’re looking for the spa • Decide the theme for your staycation: Think about the kind experience, you can try out a spa night on your staycation. of vacation you would Transform your bathroom by adding candles, music, a like to simulate. A bathrobe, bubble bath, facial masks, and any other at-home tropical escape or treatments you have in mind. a cozy winter cabin for example. Then • Build a fire pit: A warm fire can add the perfect touch to you can create the your staycation, especially during the winter months. This right theme for your cozy addition can be a great place to make s’mores, read, or staycation with décor, talk with your other staycation companions. activities, and meals.
• Plan your activities: To make your staycation feel different
than just the regular routine, plan in advance activities that
Volume 13