Well, it's tax season again, and as usual I am not among the earliest of the birds in preparing my tax return. But if any of you in the Houston Association of REALTORS® are on a similiar schedule when it comes to filing your return, the information I am sharing may help you to claim the correct deduction amount on your Federal income tax return for the HAR dues you have paid.
Why is any clarification needed? HAR annual dues contain assessments and contributions that go toward PACs (Political Action Committees) - and these dollars spent on political causes are not deductible. I had a time of it trying to figure out all of the numbers last year, but I discovered that HAR produces a handy breakdown of the allocation of dollars on their website, which I will excerpt and post here. Hope it helps!
If you are a member of a different Association, you may wish to contact them and ask about this matter.
-Begin Excerpt from HAR.com-
Your billing statement is for the combined annual dues in the Houston Association of REALTORS®, Texas Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. A portion of this amount is for one-year subscriptions to the publications: $2 for Houston REALTOR® (for REALTOR® and Affiliate members), $5 for Texas REALTOR® (for REALTOR® and Affiliate members), and $6 for Today's REALTOR® (for REALTOR® members).THESE SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOT OPTIONAL.
*Your 2012 dues include a $35 mandatory assessment by the National Association of REALTORS®, of all REALTOR® members to fund a nationwide public awareness campaign that includes TV network ads highlighting the value a REALTOR® brings to a transaction and stressing the importance of using a REALTOR® and qualifies as deductible dues.
**Your 2012 dues also include a $5 Legal Fund assessment and a $5 mandatory IMPAC assessment by the Texas Association of REALTORS®, of all members to fund TAR's Issues Mobilization fund. The IMPAC assessment is not deductible for income tax purposes.
***Contributions are not deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Contributions to the Texas Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee (TREPAC), the Texas Association of REALTORS® Federal Political Action Committee (TAR FedPAC), and the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amount indicated is merely a guideline, and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. The Association will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount of their contribution, and you may refuse to contribute without reprisal by the Association. TREPAC initially receives each contribution, and a percentage is transmitted to RPAC via TAR FedPAC to meet TREPAC's RPAC annual quota. RPAC supports Federal candidates with those contributions which are charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a. The percentage forwarded to National RPAC each month may be obtained by contacting the TAR FedPAC administrator at 800-873-9155.
The portion of your dues that is spent for lobbying the state or federal government is NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. The non-deductible percentages of dues for lobbying are: 31% or $37 for NAR, 14% or $14 for TAR and 24% or $32 for HAR. Also, the $5 IMPAC assessment from TAR is not deductible.
The remaining portion of your dues may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities.
Take a Tour and Enjoy Light Refreshments! 27 Willow Run | Homes for Sale in Alden Bridge
Come visit this Open House in Alden Bridge tomorrow – it is an exceptional 4 bedroom member of the homes for sale with pool in The Woodlands TX, replete with interior and exterior features that enhance its appeal and complement the natural beauty and comfortable lifestyle of The Woodlands.
Just minutes from I-45, The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, and Lake Woodlands (view map)! Few places are more convenient for all of your needs. Nestled in a culdesac, this home is full of pleasant surprises! Consider the elegant balance: large formal living, dining, family, and game rooms encourage quality time and hospitality indoors, while the spacious fenced backyard area with patio, kids’ play house, and heated pool make the perfect destination and party spot on warm summer days!
This pool is sure to impress: turn on the color wheel and enjoy the waterfall as lights, sounds, and motions bring your pool to life! Relax on the sun deck and take it all in- or enjoy the view from the master suite!
There are so many details and updates to consider – I can’t fit them all in here, so please take a moment to stop by at the Open House this Saturday. You can also learn more online and view many more pictures: 27 Willow Run | Homes for Sale in Alden Bridge
Please contact me to schedule a private tour of 27 Willow Run and other homes for sale in The Woodlands.
This listing is presented courtesy of Teresa Sartin of Keller Williams Realty – The Woodlands.
The above photo shows the beautiful view that now greets my client Anna each day as she relaxes on her back patio or in her living room at 854 Lake View Dr.! A lease home on Lake Conroe is an exciting residence for those who love the open water- and there lovely homes available for under $2,000/month.
Anna and I met recently at my church following her relocation to the Houston area from Hawaii. Hawaii is difficult to leave behind, she tells me, and water views were something she didn’t want to be without. We began searching for lake front homes for lease on Lake Conroe and visited several, but none could compare with the amenities and gorgeous view at 854 Lake View Dr., a listing held by a local Lake Conroe real estate broker. After negotiating a satisfactory lease, we went from signed contract to Anna’s move-in date in less than 1 week!
If you are searching for a Lake Conroe lease home with waterfront, please contact me today to begin your search!
Take a Tour and Enjoy Light Refreshments!2343 Hickory Hollow Ln. | Homes for Sale in Spring Forest
Are you a gardener? Do you love green space and life outside the city bustle? Looking for a backyard that can accommodate a pool and a play set? Seeking an affordable and attractive home for sale in Spring Forest to keep you approx. 10 minutes drive from Hardy Toll Road, I-45, and The Woodlands?
…This may be the home you are looking for! Location, outdoor space, interior elegance, and affordability all bring 2343 Hickory Hollow Ln. to the forefront of homes for sale in Spring TX!
Description on HAR.com (MLS #2476568): “Custom one story home nestled on a half acre lot in the neighborhood of Spring Forest consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining, study with french doors, huge front and fully fenced back yard with partial greenbelt. Meticulously maintained and many upgraded features that include granite in kitchen, art niches, covered back porch, storage building and custom built ins. Conveniently located to I-45, area shopping, and dining. Zoned for Oak Ridge Schools.”
A tour in person will capture the whole picture, so please take a moment to stop by at the Open House this Saturday. You can also learn more online and view many more pictures: 2343 Hickory Hollow Ln. | Homes for Sale in Spring Forest
Please contact me to schedule a private tour of 2343 Hickory Hollow Ln. and other homes for sale in Spring, TX.
This listing is presented courtesy of Teresa Sartin of Keller Williams Realty – The Woodlands.
Our Realtor Wanted Us to Lower the Price More & More - We Said "No more!"
Question: Should I Relist?
While browsing Trulia Q&A (I definitely need to do this more often- so many people needing help!), I came across a question posted in my area. Here's a portion of this Seller's question:
"Recently our home listing ended with the price being 10-15% lower than starting price, which we were told was fair market value, we personally thought we were a little low already. The realtor we used sold more high end updated new homes while our home is older and less updated. All that the realtor wanteed to do was have us lower the price more and more until we finally said no more. We want to relist it, but do not like the low price we ended at. Is it possible to relist for your old full price, or close to it, without it being stigmatized?"
Here's my response- which I'm sharing because I think it might help other frustrated Sellers who happen across this blog! (And because I put too much effort into it to let it disappear, forgotten in cyber space!)
Dear John,
I can understand your concern and frustration! While lowering the price can have the effect of drawing more buyers, it's definitely not the only way- and a skilled REALTOR® should be able to help you price your home correctly at the time of the initial listing. It may be that your home was priced too low, but lacked the effective marketing and proper exposure to attract Buyers!
The successful presentation of your home to Buyers is built on these three foundations:
• Price
• Condition
• Marketing
In consultation with your REALTOR®, you should receive valuable insights into the current market values in your neighborhood - this will aid you in determining a fair market price. You should be presented an in-depth Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which will review similar properties to your own that are active on market, pending, or recently sold, in your neighborhood. Additionally, I provide an Absorption Rate, Activity Index, and Historical Data to give us the greatest level of insight into the market trends and values.
Your REALTOR® should also provide you insights into repairs, updates, and home staging that may be necessary to improve the Condition of the home. With recommendations for cost-effective projects, reputable contractors and a simple list of do-it-yourself home staging tips, I can provide my clients with a great deal of assistance in this area.
Finally, your REALTOR® should serve as your Marketing Expert. This includes providing your home the needed internet exposure through an MLS (such as HAR.com), the agent's personal website, Trulia.com, and a host of other sites that will target prospective buyers seeking a home like yours. Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogging) are also essential marketing tools. At the local and community level - beyond the basic yard signage and flyers - your REALTOR® should be marketing your home to local brokers and agents who may have clients interested in your home. This can be done through an effective schedule of Open Houses. Your neighbors should also receive direct mail or a personal visit to inform them about your home.
These are all services that I provide my clients as their dedicated REALTOR® and their home's professional Advocate. I would be honored to answer any more of your questions or give you further advice!
Sincerely,
David Companik, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - The Woodlands
(936)349-7075 | david@davidcompanik.com
Facebook.com/DavidCRealestate
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David provides in-depth expertise and exemplary service to his clients in the Montgomery County and northern Harris County market area that includes Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, and The Woodlands.
I live and work in the beautiful community of The Woodlands, providing service to those with real estate needs in the Montgomery County and northern Harris County market area that includes Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, and The Woodlands. Here in The Woodlands, trails, parks, lakes, and green forests surround lovely 
homes and thriving businesses, creating an environment in which life very often takes place outdoors! My wife Jennifer and I and our little boy are blessed to be settled in this green and growing community, where we enjoy a quiet life centered around faith, family, friends, and community.
As a dedicated real estate agent, I spend my work days serving my clients and forming lasting friendships with them. This professional journey is one that I daily enjoy and energetically pursue!
Whatever your real estate goal may be, I am confident that we can work together for your success. To my clients I provide:
This professional foundation enables my clients to establish, pursue, and achieve their goals with confidence. Please contact me today to experience this service in your real estate transaction!
-David Companik, REALTOR®
Broker: Keller Williams Realty - The Woodlands
Member:
National Association of REALTORS®
Texas Association of REALTORS®
Houston Association of REALTORS®
David Companik is a licensed real estate agent regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
David Companik provides professional service to buyers and sellers of real estate in theMontgomery County and northern Harris County market area that includes Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, and The Woodlands. David also has extensive knowledge of the Madison County, TX and Leon County, TX market, an area where he lived and worked as a real estate agent prior to taking up residence in The Woodlands. Specializing in the sale of residential and rural property, David has a record of success selling homes, farm and ranch acreage, weekend retreats, and hunting land. To learn more about his services, connect with David online or by phone!
David has earned the recommendation of many satisfied clients and customers. Here are a few:
Source: David Companik Client Experience Rating | HAR.com
"I'm 67 years old, have bought about 20 properties in my life and David, without doubt, handled every issue to my perfect satisfaction. There were kinks beyond his control which just challenged his role all the more. Every step of the way, he was great." Buyer: Bill H. - 04/20/2011
"David is a great realtor! I would recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell property. David is a valuable credit to the real estate profession. I especially appreciated how he remained in touch with me throughout the entire process. I would defintely contact David again if I decide to pursue another real estate transaction in the area." Seller: Arnold H. - 02/21/2011
"David made great efforts to keep us informed while selling our property. David was also very reliable with answering any questions we had." Seller: James & Amy K. - Oct 9, 2010
"David is knowledgeable and prompt. I will recommend him to my family and friends, as well as use his services in future transactions." Seller: Katherine D. - Oct 4, 2010
"David Companik is one of the most professional realtors that I have ever dealt with. His interest in the completion of this real estate transaction had a positive result to the advantage of the seller, buyer and the realtor. I would recommend David to anyone with any real estate needs in his area." Seller: Randy S. - Oct 1, 2010
"It was a pleasure working with David. He always went the extra mile to answer questions for us and provide us with information. The Seller mirrored our comments during closing. Great Realtor!" Buyer: Gary & Elizabeth L. - Oct 1, 2010
"David was most helpful in getting the house ready to put on the market. He was present when the different companies would come out for inspections,and helped us decide where best we could spend our money for the numerous tasks/upgrades required for an older home." Seller: Carol L. - Sep 17, 2010
"I have to let everybody know that Mr.David companik is one of the most profesional,responsible and respectful realtors that I have ever dealt with. He answered every question we had to our satisfaction and everytime we call him he was there. Also,I have to mention that even after the deal he went out of his way and offer us any help and advise if we ever need it. Thank you David Ramon y Raquel C." Buyer: Ramon & Raquel C. - Jul 3, 2010
"David gave us a realistic price to shoot for and promoted the property very well. His web listing including photographs was outstanding. Property was sold quickly and at a price we were satisfied with. David is a hard worker and knows his real estate." Seller: Charlie & Lillian T. - May 5, 2010
"He is very professional yet personable makes you feel like a friend more then a client always on time and returns phone calls very promptly I highly recommend A+++" Buyer: Michael F. - Feb 9, 2010
"It was a pleasure to work with David. He did a great job showing the property, and keeping me up to date with what was going on. He paid attention to the details." Seller: Norman R. - Dec 15, 2009
"David is a wonderful realtor and does all in his power to make the purchasing experience a pleasure. My husband and I both felt fortunate to have found him!" Buyer: Judy G. - Dec 3, 2009
"Very professional, very helpful, did a great job, was totally organized through the entire process. I am lucky to have had him represent me. Sincerely, Dennis T." Seller: Dennis T. - Jul 9, 2009
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