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Ask your accountant, but in most cases, homes that are exclusively used for vacation residences will not qualify under section 1031.  There are no hard fast rules for vacation homes and section 1031, but I would think that if the property were held for personal use and then rented over a period of time, maybe for a few years before doing an exchange, you might be able to  exchange it as property which has been used primarily for rental investment. APRIL 15 IS COMING SOON.

This is an example (with addresses and neighborhoods left out) of the difference in original listed price to sold price as compared to DOM (days on market). Does your buyers agent give you this kind of data?  This data can only be given by an experienced real estate professional looking out for your best interests.  Ask for it! 

The first ice is generally very hard and strong, but toward the end of the season, the ice becomes soft and rotten.  I was on Coldwater Lake early February when the daytime temps had not gone over 15º for weeks and my boot broke through a top layer. My boot was soaked, but I was supported by the ice underneath.  Old fishing holes, and other traps await. It's the first week of March and the ice looks terrible to me, but the fisherman are out in droves.  You won't catch me out there.  When is it safe? When you don't fall through!

There are things you can do ahead of time. First, be prepared before you go fishing by layering your clothes.  I have always been told that the layer closest to your body should be made of wool, because even when wool is wet it retains insulating power! The layering will also help your body warm the water between your layers and extend the amount of time you have.  

If you do fall through remember not to panic.  Yes, it would be hard not to panic, but it can save your life. When you start to break through put your weight on one foot.  It's possible that the ice is thicker right next to where your breaking through.  If you end up going all the through and make it out DON'T stand up.  Spread your body across the ice and inch your way to shore on your belly.  By spreading your body weight across the ice you have a little better chance of making it to safety.  GOOD LUCK!

Determining whether a home improvement will add value to your home can be tricky. There are many factors to consider. Some factors are tangible like the cost of making the improvement. Other factors are less tangible and harder to quantify, and many sellers feel that maintenance items like a new roof or the replacement of warn countertops etc. will increase the value of their home.  By not replacing these items you will decrease the value, and by maintaining these items you will be keeping your home at market value- not increasing the value.(http://www.remodeling.hw.net/pages/remodelingonline/index.nsp?) evaluated 15 home improvements in their annual Cost vs. Value Report. This report analyzes the percentage of cost returned for a home improvement when comparing cost to construct versus added resale value. Of the 15 improvements evaluated in the 2003 report, only a deck addition had a positive return (104.2%).

Improvements with returns in the 92.6% – 98.1% range in 2003 included: siding replacement (98.1%); bathroom addition, mid-range (95%); attic bedroom (92.8%); and bathroom remodel, upscale (92.6%). These evaluations were conducted in what is considered a seller’s market.

There is no "right" price. The value of your home is dependent on what someone is willing to pay for it and how long you are willing to wait to find that person. Most people are not in the position to wait for the "perfect" buyer who will pay their "perfect" price. Typically, you should rely on comparisons with recently sold homes in the area. A REALTOR®  can help you by giving you a list of homes sold through the local Multiple Listing Service during the past year or so, or do your own research by logging on to local real estate websites that show "SOLD" prices.  Do your own research, because buyers are doing theirs! You need to be an informed seller. 

You can also locate this information on the Internet at free websites such as http://realestate.yahoo.com/realestate/homevalues

The purpose of the Branch County Association of REALTORS® is to be the voice for real estate in Branch County by protecting and upholding the REALTOR® profession,  providing the members with value for their dollars; delivering convenient real estate information,  services and programs so members can be successful while creating trust and loyalty between clients,  members and BCAR.

Contact BCAR: http://www.bcarealtors.com/contact_us.cfm