Are you getting a tax refund this year? The average refund is about $3,000 - enough to reinvest in your home.
Whether you're expecting a few hundred dollars back or a few thousand, put some of it to work with these suggestions.
Pay down debts
With home prices continuing to creep upward and interest rates still remarkably low, you may have taken out a home equity loan to fund a remodeling project or two. A lot of consumers have!
Why not apply your tax refund toward this loan or pay down other debts (especially high interest debt like credit cards)?
Freshen up
Want to add a backsplash, paint a room, clean up the yard, replace your bathroom sink, or repair a leaky faucet? Go for it! Chances are, your refund will cover these types of small projects - and more.
And you're getting a two-for-one: you're both improving your living experience, and adding value at the same time.
Courtesy of Zillow Digs.
Boost your energy efficiency
No matter how big or small your refund check is, there are all sorts of things you can do, at varying price points, to make your home more energy efficient - from buying energy-efficient appliances to adding extra layers of insulation.
Courtesy of Zillow Digs.
Storm doors are just a few hundred dollars, and can be a great investment if you have an older front door. Purchasing a low-flow showerhead or installing a programmable thermostat are other affordable options.
Buy flood insurance
The federal government offers coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program at an average cost of about $700 per year. That's a small price to pay for a problem that can be big. After all, anywhere it rains, it can flood, and your homeowners insurance doesn't cover it. (It typically only covers damage that comes from the top down - such as rain and wind damage, but not rising water and flooding.)
Stop taking chances, and buy yourself peace of mind. Premiums vary depending on your property's flood risk. To get an estimate in your area, visit FloodSmart.gov.
Related:
- 4 Ways to Snag an Extra Tax Break
- The Best Saving Strategies for Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials
- A Budget Guide to Kitchen Remodels
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.
via Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://ift.tt/1R2PlvB
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