Enjoy the Real Estate Experience You Deserve!
Era Matilla rEalty 225 CulvEr Blvd. Playa dEl rEy
Manager BrE#1323411
Broker assoc. BrE#01439943
Out of an abundance of caution we are postponing the publishing of OPEN HOUSES this week. Please be smart, reduce contact, and stay safe. THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES FABULOUS CITY VIEWS
PALATIAL RESIDENCE
GORGEOUS SPANISH VILLA
MARINA PATIO HOME
“Live like you're on vacation. Experience sunshine, sea breeze, salty air, sand and surf from this truly extraordinary home with awe-inspiring views on Playa's Silicon Beach Strand,” says agent Bill Ruane. “Situated on the coveted north end of Playa del Rey's serene beach, this 2011-built custom home by acclaimed Tomaro Design Group features four bedrooms, eight baths and almost 7,300 sq ft of luxurious living space. Outstanding panoramic ocean views from Catalina to Malibu and sailboats drifting by in the nearby Marina Channel.” Offered at $7,950,000 Bill Ruane RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-877-2374
“This gorgeous home has a bright and open living room with hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, quartz counters and stainless steel appliances,” says agent Todd Miller. “All three bedrooms are on the second floor. The private rooftop deck has city views encompassing the Sony rainbow and Hollywood sign. The incredible location surrounded by all the shops, restaurants and nightlife in downtown Culver City, including the Kirk Douglas and Arc Light Theaters and a weekly farmer’s market.” Offered at $1,399,000 Todd Miller Keller Williams Santa Monica 310-923-5353
“Stunning two bed, two bath + den/office home in the prestigious Villa Marina East IV, ” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “This home features hardwood floors throughout, updated gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances & granite counter-tops, a spacious step down living room with high vaulted ceilings & fireplace. The entire second floor is dedicated to the master suite and boasts a huge den/office area, large bath with dual vanity, separate shower & tub, and a spacious walk-in closet. Minutes from shops/restaurants, movie theaters, bike path, & more.” Offered at $1,269,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132
“This is such a great value in Playa del Rey with stunning views and incredible upgrades,” says agent Jane St. John. “Exquisite attention to detail in the restoration of this timeless Spanish interior with oak floors, paver tiles, authentic fixtures, and impressive upgradesinclude: security systems, two new HVAC systems w Nest controls, and a wine cellar. Four patios/courtyards create the perfect indoor/outdoor entertaining venues; and the lower level spa garden offers privacy and serenity.” Offered at $2,495,000 Jane St. John RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-567-5971
THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE Q&A
When It’s Time to Get an Accountant to Do Your Taxes The Differences Between CPAs and Other Tax Experts First you need to know there are different types of tax experts. And not all accountants are CPAs. So if you’re thinking that an independent CPA and someone at H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt (or your buddy who studied accounting in college) are pretty much the same, don’t count on it. Basically, • An accountant is someone who studied accounting. • CPAs are accountants who pass rigorous testing from their state board on a regular basis. The designation usually requires a degree. Not every CPA specializes in taxes. • An “enrolled agent,” or EA, is an accountant who has received certification from the IRS. Being an EA doesn’t require a degree like CPA. But it does verify they know tax law. • A tax preparer like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt is trained on tax software to help taxpayers file their returns. They aren’t required to be CPAs or EAs. • Only CPAs and EAs can legally represent
you if the IRS challenges your return.
There’s nothing wrong with visiting preparer like H&R Block if your return isn’t all that complicated. It’s when you start generating other income — perhaps you launch a business or own rental property — [or experience a big financial change] when it makes sense to ask for some extra help. When It’s a Good Idea to Hire a Tax Pro: When you buy your first house. Many of the expenses related to buying a home and having a mortgage are deductible. But only if you itemize. Because the experts are best at it.
new records to keep and a new tax form, Schedule E, to complete.
When you buy a vacation property. Especially if you rent it out. And especially if it’s in a different state. When you work from home. There’s a lot of potential money-saving deductions that can vary widely depending on the type of business and how much space it takes up in your home. If you have a home office you can deduct for the square footage you use for work as well as a portion of your utilities, mortgage interest, and property taxes.
When you move to a new state. There’s a good chance you’ll have to file two state returns for the year you move. And each state is a little bit different in terms of state tax owed — zero in some states, a flat amount in others, and graded by income bracket in most.
When you make home improvements. Energy-efficient upgrades like installing a new heating and cooling system, water heater, or insulation may qualify for tax credits. But that can change depending on the year. Same goes for medically necessary home improvements that aren’t paid by your employer or insurance.
When you become a landlord. When you own investment property you essentially become a small business owner. That means
When your home’s value is reassessed. Sometimes the reassessed value is incorrect. If so, an expert will be able to pull the data
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together to appeal it. You can definitely DIY all these tax scenarios and save the fees, but with CPAs and EAs the extra cost may be worth it, especially if you run your own business or own more than one home. An accountant can help you analyze your spending choices and even act as a consultant. Best of all, they’ll be by your side if the tax man ever comes after you. That alone could be priceless if the time comes. One last tip: If you decide you want to hire a CPA or EA, best not to wait until the last minute. You may not find one. Editor’s Note: Tax Day is now July 15, 2020: IRS has extended the filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount owed THIS WEEK’S QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BY
Brian Christie Agents in Action! team Realtor/Quality Service Certified 310-910-0120
