Brent Diebert, Real Estate Educator

17/05/2026

Tax deduction vs Tax credit & how it effects your bottom line. If your a first time homebuyer find out the tax credit programs I've shared with my clients for over a decade.

💰 A $2,000 tax deduction saves about $440 if you're in the 22% bracket. A $2,000 tax credit saves exactly $2,000 regardless of your bracket.

Most tax credits are nonrefundable, meaning they reduce your federal income tax bill to zero but no further.

Four credits are refundable: the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit (partially), the American Opportunity Credit for college, and the Premium Tax Credit for ACA marketplace coverage.

The Earned Income Tax Credit reaches up to $8,231 for families with three or more qualifying children in 2026, and $664 for workers without children who earn below the income limit.

The Child Tax Credit pays $2,200 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 per child refundable if the credit exceeds what you owe. A separate $500 Credit for Other Dependents covers older children, some college students, and qualifying relatives who do not meet the Child Tax Credit rules.

The Lifetime Learning Credit covers $2,000 for any year of college, graduate school, or job-skills training, but it is nonrefundable and cannot generate a refund beyond your tax liability.

The Retirement Saver's Credit gives low- and moderate-income workers up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) for contributing to a 401(k) or IRA. The top eligibility limit for single filers in 2026 is $40,250.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit covers up to $1,500 for one qualifying person or $3,000 for two or more, based on work-related care expenses paid while you or your spouse worked or looked for work.

IRS Free File and VITA sites provide free federal tax preparation for households under $84,000.



P.S. Every Friday I send a short email with the week's top post, my take on the best article I read, and what I'm writing about on the site. Link in the comments.

*The content shared here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on your specific situation.*

05/03/2026

Big news for homebuyers! 🏠 As of today, March 5, 2026, the "Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act" is officially in full effect.

If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage and been immediately bombarded by 50+ phone calls, texts, and emails from random lenders you’ve never heard of—that ends now. 🚫📞

What’s Changing?
For years, credit bureaus were allowed to sell your data as a "trigger lead" the moment you applied for a loan. This new law puts a stop to that practice to protect your privacy and sanity.

No More Unsolicited Spam: Credit bureaus can no longer sell your information to third-party lenders just because you had your credit pulled for a mortgage.

Existing Relationships Still Matter: You might still hear from your current bank or mortgage servicer, as the law allows for "existing relationships" so they can still provide you with relevant offers.

You're in Control: If you actually want to receive offers from multiple lenders, you can still "opt-in," but the default is now your privacy.

Why This Matters
Applying for a home is stressful enough without a non-stop vibrating phone. This is a huge win for consumer privacy and makes the path to homeownership a lot less noisy.

Are you planning on buying or refinancing soon? I’d be happy to explain how these new privacy rules protect you during your application process. Feel free to reach out!

21/07/2025

OHFA has significantly dropped their mortgage rates, However, you might have heard that their down payment assistance amount has been lowered. We know that first-time homebuyers often need help covering up to 102% of the purchase price for down payment AND closing costs.
That's where Heartland Bank's Affordable Seconds program comes in! We've got you covered. Our program can bridge that gap, helping you get the full assistance you need to make your homeownership dreams a reality. 🏡✨
Don't let upfront costs stop you from finding your perfect home. Contact us today to learn more about how Heartland Bank can help you buy your first home! https://6145713554.com/102.pdf

Don't forget: OHFA implemented changes to its homebuyer assistance programs. For more info., check out this podcast from the featuring OHFA Executive Director Bill Beagle: https://bit.ly/3UomSL2

30/04/2025

We have a great event coming up on May 14th. I'll be teaching a CE on Simplifying Condo's followed up by current intel on Intel

Send a message to learn more

09/03/2025

Saving for down payment & closing cost stopping your homeownership dreams? TheBuy102 program can be the answer!

Send a message to learn more

10/02/2025

I'm hosting a 3 hour CE class for real estate agents -- Fair Housing Foundations next week (3 Hours of Civil Rights Credit) Feb 19th from Noon to 3:15 p.m.
Scan the QR code to register!

03/02/2025

It's official – Heartland Bank is now Heartland Bank, a division of German American Bank! This partnership brings expanded resources, enhanced services, and the same strong commitment to our customers and communities. While our name has evolved, our dedication to delivering exceptional community banking remains unchanged. We’re excited about this new chapter and invite you to learn more about German American Bank and our shared vision for the future by visiting our website here: www.heartland.bank/Home/Stronger-Together

28/01/2025

I will be hosting a 3 hour CE class -- Fair Housing Foundations
(3 Hours of Civil Rights Credit) Feb 19th from Noon to 3:15 more info on the flyer and you may scan the QR code to register or post a comment

04/11/2024

🏠 Unlock the Door to Your Real Estate Success! 🏠

Join us on November 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for Home Sweet Loan: Discover the Perfect Financing Options at the Builder-REALTOR Alliance Forum 2024!

This FREE CE course will empower you with essential knowledge on financing new builds, including construction loans, VA & FHA options, and exclusive programs like Ohio Home Buyer Plus.


✨ Secure your spot for this educational opportunity and gain the confidence to guide your clients through the maze of financing! ✨

2 hours of CE credit pending approval. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your expertise and build stronger connections!



Location: Columbus Realtors – 2700 Airport Dr Columbus


Go to Columbus Realtors to sign up!
Check out the QR code for my construction guide!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vnMU7Sm0Q93rCUrc5GTTrmjofQHk5td2/view?usp=drivesdk

16/08/2024

Thinking of home improvements? Check out the Home improvement tour next weekend and stop by Nordine & Associates home at 120 Ceramic Dr in Clintonville.

02/07/2024

Looking for down payment assistance or 100% financing options for buying a home in Central OH. We have programs you can explore with Heartland Bank

With government backed loan options, a wide range of possibilities are available to not only fit your lifestyle, but your financial goals as well. We'll help you open the door to your dream home! Review the options below and contact our Affordable Housing Team to get started!