Value Added Home Improvements That Really Pay Off

Benefits Of Granite Kitchen Countertops

For renovated or new homes alike, granite has grown in popularity more and more. There are many reasons for this due to the many benefits of of granites use as a kitchen counter top material. The entire list would be too long for this article, so we've compiled the top benefits listed below.

1. The natural beauty of a granite counter top.

2. The durability of kitchen granite counter tops.

3. Every slab of granite will have different feature from the next.

4. Although granite will add some expense to your kitchen remodel project, there are few better investments in your homes value.

Home Improvements Reduce Capital Gains Tax

By: Kay Bell - Bankrate.com

If you stand to cash in big when you sell your home it's important to remember that every dollar spent on home improvements, remodeling and renovations can mean a dollar off your federal tax bill when that day comes.

That's because money spent on capital improvements is subtracted from your profit -- if and when you sell -- and thereby reduces the amount you may have to pay as long term capital gains tax.

This is how it works: When you sell your home very often you get to experience one of the best things about the way your home has by realizing a tidy profit. That's also one of the worst things.

If you net more than the IRS exclusion amount, you'll have to share some of your sale proceeds with Uncle Sam.

Tax law allows a single homeowner to escape an IRS bill on the first $250,000 in home-sale profit and $500,000 for married couples.  But some owners find that's not generous enough. This is often the case where an owner has lived in the same house for many years. Even in areas where the real estate market has softened somewhat, many sellers are still making a pretty penny on their sales.