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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Kristin Gwaltney
Kristin Gwaltney Team / Keller Williams Realty
2271 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040
Direct: 931-233-9770
Office: 931-648-8500
Fax: 931-645-6171
KristinGwaltney@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Kristin Gwaltney was born and raised in Ashland City, Tennessee. Kristin became a Clarksvillian in 1991 when she began college at Austin Peay State University. Upon graduating from Austin Peay State University with a degree in Marketing & Sales, she went into the Nashville Film Industry Producing nationwide commercials as well as working on several public relation pieces and music videos. In 2001 Kristin permanently moved to Clarksville, Tennessee and decided to start her own business in Real Estate and put her marketing & sales skills to work in the local community. In 2004 Kristin & her husband Grayson merged with Crabbe Construction, LLC where their main goal was to build quality homes for the people in their community. “It is my goal to make a difference in every one of my clients home buying and selling experience and give back to the community my family is so proud to be a part of.” Kristin is committed to values of excellence in all areas of her professional and personal life. You and your home will ALWAYS be a priority. Whether buying or selling an existing home, new construction or investment property, her service, professionalism and enthusiasm are second to none!