Sign Up For Our eNewsletter, FREE!
There are always important changes happening in the real estate market, locally and nationally. These changes can affect YOU.
Find Out More >
View All Offers >
|
 Compare
three mortgages at one time. Download TripleCalc now. It's
free. |
The Thomas Team
is one of The Top Selling Real Estate Experts™
Find Out More > |
|
|
|
Buying Your First Home? Real Estate Agents Are Your Professional Guides. Make Sure You Choose Top Experts. You might be a bit afraid or intimidated by the whole process of buying your first home. As top Evanston, Wilmette and Winnetka real estate experts, it's our job to guide you, from beginning to end. We will take the time to go through each and every step of the buying process. There are no dumb questions! Together, we will consider: - How much can you really afford? - How to qualify for a mortgage. - How much cash you should put down. - How to buy a home with little or nothing down. - What it takes to get approved for financing. What banks and other financial institutions are looking for. - How much your payments will be. - The tax advantages of buying. - Is renting or buying better for you? Tell us a bit about your situation below. We'll get right back to you. There is absolutely no charge, and we offer this to you with no strings attached.  New to the home buying process? Tell us your concerns. Ask us questions. It's our job to help! There's no obligation, and we promise to get back to you quickly...
 |
Tax Considerations >Taxable Profits
If you are thinking of selling your home and your house has risen in value since you purchased it, or you have accumulated a lot of deferred profit from previous sales, the Taxpayer Relief Act passed in 1997 could be of tremendous value.
Prior to this law, when a homeowner moved to a smaller home, relocated to a less costly area, or made a decision to rent, they were left with unfavorable tax consequences. The old tax law allowed people who sold their homes to defer tax on any profit by buying a replacement home of at least equal value within two years. At age 55, they could permanently escape tax on up to $125,000 of profit, but any profit in excess of that amount was taxable unless a new home was bought.
The good news is that with homes sold after May 6, 1997, homeowners can make as much as $500,000 tax-free profits on the sale of a principal residence for joint filers or $250,000 for single filers. The $500,000 capital gains exclusion removed taxes as a consideration for most home sellers by giving them flexibility to trade up or down. It has also allowed homeowners to preserve the savings value of a home when they sell, provided they use the property as their principal residence for two of the prior five years prior to the sale.
Consult your tax advisor for your particular circumstance.
|
|
| Q |
What might happen to the Empire State Building in extreme weather?
|
| A |
The Empire State Building can sway several feet to either side when buffeted by a severe windstorm or rainstorm. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
|
NUMBER1EXPERT™
© Best Image Marketing and/or its clients.
All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. |
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
