An important part of buying a house is sitting down with your real estate agent or a mortgage lender to get a clear idea of how much you can afford. They will add up all of your monthly expenses, the mortgage payment, insurance, real estate taxes, homeowners or condo association fees--and the grand total can throw you into shock!

The important thing to remember is that the grand total isn't really the bottom line. When you add your tax savings to the equation, you may be pleasantly surprised. During the early years of your loan, almost all of the mortgage can be deducted from your state and federal income tax. The same is true of your real estate taxes. If you use part of your house as a home office, you may be able to qualify for additional tax savings. In some areas, homes with ground floor apartments are popular for offsetting part of the mortgage and offering even more tax savings.

When you make calculations about the monthly costs that include the tax savings, you may find that owning your own home is less expensive than renting a house or apartment of comparable size.

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Tami Rapaport's Team
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
130 Dean Drive
Tenafly, NJ. 07670
Direct Line: 201-227-2045
Cell: 201–665-5558
201-567-7788 ext. 127
Fax: 201-567-3220
Email: Tami@TamiRapaport.com

Tami Rapaport, a President's Premier Agent with Coldwell Banker (top 1% of the highest sales within the company internationally) has been ranked #5 in 2009 out of 3,800 Coldwell Banker agents throughout the entire state of New Jersey.... Tami is the only Realtor in Tenafly to achieve Eastern Bergen Board’s Platinum Level Circle of Excellence Award 8 years in a row (2002 – 2009) Additionally, Tami Rapaport has been named the Tenafly office Salesperson of the Year for 2008.........an honor she has received consistently for the past 9 years.

"Tami's level of commitment is incomparable. The honors she continues to earn are a reflection of her dedication. She knows the market, she listens to her clients and she delivers as they have come to expect her to." Karen Murphy, Coldwell Banker, Tenafly Manager

“To produce so impressively in a changing and always competitive market is a testament to your ability in business and your effectiveness at encouraging trust and enthusiasm among customers. You are a credit to our profession, a prime resource for your clients and a valued member of the NRT family. I thank you for your effort and wish you all the best in future success.” Bruce Ziph, President and CEO, NRT Inc.

“Thank You for following through on all the details throughout the closing! We really appreciate your hard work in getting this deal done!” David Kevorkian, Seller of a Tenafly home

“Thank you for all your efficient services. I appreciate you!” Ann Davis, Landlord of rental home in Haworth

Look for weekly update of homes sold in different towns throughout Bergen County. Join our mailing list and you we will sent you a free list of sold homes. Go to www.SoldHomesReport.com