Better Homeowners
Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.

Smart Homeowner Tips - 10/15/2025

1. Take Advantage of Homeowner Tax Benefits

  • Mortgage Interest Deduction: Deduct interest on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt (for loans after 2017).
  • Property Tax Deduction: Deduct up to $40,000 in combined state and local taxes (SALT).
  • Capital Gains Exclusion: Exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) in profit when selling a primary residence, if ownership and use tests are met.
  • Energy-Efficient Home Credits: Federal tax credits available for solar, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and more.

2. Lower Your Monthly Housing Costs

  • Refinance When Rates Drop: Consider refinancing your mortgage to reduce your interest rate and monthly payment.
  • Appeal Property Tax Assessments: If your home's assessed value is too high, appeal to potentially lower your annual property taxes.
  • Bundle Insurance Policies: Save by combining home and auto insurance with the same provider.
  • Shop for Home Insurance Annually: Rates and coverage vary—review and compare policies regularly.

3. Reduce Utility Bills

  • Conduct a Home Energy Audit: Identify leaks, insulation gaps, and inefficient systems to cut energy waste.
  • Upgrade to Smart Thermostats: Save on heating and cooling with programmable or learning thermostats.
  • Switch to LED Lighting: Longer life, lower power consumption.
  • Seal Windows and Doors: Prevent drafts and reduce heating/cooling loss.

4. Maintain and Protect Your Investment

  • Regular Maintenance: Prevent costly repairs with scheduled inspections (HVAC, roof, plumbing, etc.).
  • Document Home Improvements: Keep receipts to add to your cost basis for tax purposes when selling.
  • Check for Hidden Water Leaks: Early detection prevents mold and expensive damage.

5. Use Your Home for Additional Income

  • Rent Out a Room or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit): Generate passive income.
  • Host Short-Term Rentals (where legal): Use platforms like Airbnb to offset mortgage costs.
  • Deduct Home Office Expenses: If you qualify, write off a portion of your home-related costs for business use.

6. Plan for Aging in Place

  • Invest in Accessibility Features: Lever-style handles, wider doorways, or a main-floor bedroom can improve safety and long-term livability.
  • Consider Reverse Mortgages: For older homeowners with substantial equity, this can provide supplemental income.

7. Improve Enjoyment and Resale Value

  • Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces: Patios, landscaping, and lighting can boost both daily enjoyment and curb appeal.
  • Renovate Smartly: Kitchen and bath updates often offer strong returns.
  • Paint and Refresh: A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.
Mary Anne Windes CCIM, CRB, CRS, GRI, RRS, e-PRO Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. www.Destin-Real-Estate.com (850) 803-2211 BK583540 Mary Anne Windes, age 64, is a lifelong FWB/Destin resident. She grew up in Fort Walton Beach riding, training, and showing horses while she attended school. She earned an AA degree in Business Administration at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and obtained her BA in Accounting from the University of West Florida with the help of a tennis scholarship. She has been married for 40 years to Capt. Kelly Windes. They have two grown children, ages 37 and 36, and four grandchildren. Mary Anne's early career in accounting started in auditing and setting up new businesses. She has put those strengths to work for her family setting up and managing 16 separate businesses including 10 various types of commercial boats, three real estate companies, a marina, and a few retail ventures, plus she's helped with several political campaigns. An active community leader, she was a two-time Chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority appointed for two terms by Governor Jeb Bush, President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Chairman of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing to receive the first F35 jets at Eglin AFB, Chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Chairman of the Miss Destin Pageant for 4 years, and Chairman, leader, or member of various other community boards, committees, and special projects. She has been a weekly usher at her church for over twenty years and co-teaches the Crown Financial Ministry series. Her primary vocation is real estate where she handles both commercial and residential transactions for friends and referrals. She is the broker and owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, an independent boutique real estate company located on the Destin Harbor for 30 years and Real Estate Professionals of NW FLA, Inc. She holds various distinguished designations in real estate that signify excellence, education, and experience. She was acknowledged for her achievements four times by receiving the coveted Realtor of the Year award conveyed by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors for Destin in 1997, overall in 2010, for Destin in 2010, and for Commercial in 2022 as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Women's Council of Realtors. She loves spending time with family and friends, a challenge, any type of furry pets, exercising, and Russell Stover's chocolate. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter