American tax law offers a significant capital gains tax exemption that allows taxpaying homeowners to unlock home equity and end the spiraling cycle of "investing up." First-time buyers enjoy expanded rules for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans, rules that allow penalty-free withdrawals to purchase a home.

Every two years, married sellers of principal residences who file joint federal income tax returns are allowed a $500,000 exclusion ($250,000 for singles) from capital gains tax. For sales that took place after May 6, 2003, the maximum capital gains tax rates for profits above the exclusion dropped from 20% to 15% for higher income taxpayers, and from 10% to 5% for lower income taxpayers.

Homeowners can now consider several new options. People who find themselves at an empty-nester stage (no children at home) in a four or five bedroom home with a large equity have been able to unlock their equity dollars, using the income to help their children buy a first home, take a luxury cruise, remodel the house or purchase a second home for vacation or retirement.

Consult your tax advisor for advice regarding your particular circumstance.

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The Carol Greco Group
Long and Foster Realtors
7010 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003
703-658-1600
Fax: 703-256-5152
carolgreco@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

We will provide the best service possible for every client we represent. We will never tell a client what they want to hear - if it is not reality. We will never enter into a client relationship where we know what is expected of us cannot be done in good faith. We will never enter into an agreement with a seller who is unrealistic with regard to proper pricing. When hired to sell a client's home, we will always make the recommendations that can assist their home's value or help reduce its marketing time even if it means telling them things they do not want to hear. We acknowledge that we may periodically lose business because we are truthful with our clients while a few of our competitors may tell them what they want to hear to temporarily get their business. We will always remember that to have a winning relationship with our clients, we must always have a mutual goal.

We will never lose sight that our honesty, loyalty, understanding, accountability, and creativity are what makes us so very different from the real estate masses. We will always utilize a well trained staff to assist us in the complex home selling process. We will prioritize our time so that we are working only with people who are serious about either buying or selling real estate. We will always treat all parties honestly and fairly and will always offer our properties without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, handicap, or family status. We will always promote the best interests of the owner. We will strive to obtain the best price for our owners, and we will always disclose to our owners all facts that might affect or influence their decisions.

We assure you that during our real estate careers we will always strive for excellence, and we make a commitment to continued education so that we may better serve our clients.

We look forward to Serving You!

-The Carol Greco Group