How Tax Code Changes Will Affect Mortgage Deductions

Northern California Real Estate Podcast with Andrew Lamb

We'll discuss the new administration's proposed tax code changes and how they pertain to you and your mortgage tax deduction.

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Have you heard the news?
The new administration is looking to revamp the tax code — in a way that affects the long-standing mortgage interest deduction (MID). Some people are concerned this might impact home sales and drive down home values.
I believe it will do just the opposite. Here's why. First — a bit of background. Under the current system, you can include the interest you pay on your mortgage in your itemized tax deductions. If your itemized deductions turn out to be more than your standard deduction, you save more on taxes.
Currently, about 20% of homeowners who have a mortgage take advantage of the MID, for an annual average savings of $2,000 in taxes. Under the proposed new tax plan, the standard tax deduction would almost double. For example, the standard deduction for a married couple would go from $12,600 to $24,000.
If this happens, an estimated 84% of people who are currently opting to itemize taxes would simply go for the standard deduction. This is the part that has some people worried... After all, if people don't take advantage of the MID, won't this decrease the value of owning a home?
Here are two reasons why that won't happen. First, most people do NOT buy a home in order to save on taxes.

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Under the proposed new plan, the overall tax burden will be less than it currently is.

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A survey from 2015 confirms this fact. The top reasons why people buy a home include the need for change, an increase in income, or a baby on the way... but there's no mention of saving on taxes. This bears out what most real estate professionals see in real life.
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Second, taxes will actually be lower under the proposed new plan. Traditional estimates of the impact of the MID assume other taxes stay the same. In this case, if the deduction goes away, home prices can indeed suffer to an extent.
Under the proposed new plan, the overall tax burden will be less than it currently is. In other words, most people will not be losing money because they aren't claiming the MID.
Instead, they will be gaining money by having to pay less in taxes altogether. With more disposable income, people will be free to spend more on a home. This will drive sales as well as prices.
The fact is, current home prices around northern California keep increasing — not because of tax breaks, but because of tight supply.
If you’re considering selling and want to take advantage of this situation, or check out this home value calculator to find out what your home is currently worth:

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