@Tom HallAt 7% if you can I would pay it down as investing it net after tax gains may not get you the 7% you are paying - so it’s less riskDownside is you lose liquidity of that money as it’s tied in your propertyIf rates come down in future you can refinance and even take some of the cash out.Regarding your question are rates coming down, a lot of factors come into play but right now it does not appear there will be significant changes to rates over next 3-6 months.

If not on the MLS, they have to be about to be foreclosed on, way behind on their property tax or some situation that MAKES them HAVE TO sell.Same with rentals.

It seems that investing in improvements while I still live in the home wouldn't be tax deductible.

Or maybe it was just some tax identification number, I don't remember clearly.

Shouldn't be any extra taxes involved.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

You mention tax benefits.

Great point about state income tax, @Jay Hinrichs.

Keep in mind that property owners have experience significant hikes in their costs as well (property insurance and property taxes). 7.

@Claude Diehl,You don't need a CPA or tax expert here; this is a straightforward transaction.