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"above and beyond the call of duty..."
We were so thankful for all that Steve Ashton and his team were able to do for us! We had an international move from Europe, and we had 45 days to find the ideal home, close the deal, complete inspections, secure financing, etc. Steve and his team were with us every step of the way. Our entire family was so appreciative of his 'above and beyond the call of duty' attention. We hope that we will not be moving for several years. However, if we do move, Steve will be the first person we call. The Happy Homeowners! Troy and Amy Bowers
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First Time Buyers >Your Principal Residence
The Federal Tax Code allows married taxpayers to exclude from capital gains taxes up to $500,000 in profits from selling a home (singles can exclude $250,000). In order to qualify for this exemption, you must prove that that the home has been your principal residence for at least two out of the last five years. The establishment of the home as a principal residence depends on the facts of each homeowner's circumstance. Here are two cases to consider.
Homeowner A has lived at 25 Pine Drive for 12 years. Although he stays at his vacation cottage in another town for up to three months out of each year (sometimes more), 25 Pine Drive is his principal residence, where he lives most of the time. When he sells the home, Homeowner A (filing as a single individual) can keep up to $250,000 in tax-free profit.
Homeowner B buys 108 Maple Street, intending to live there. He rents it out while waiting to sell his current home, where he has lived for six years. His principal residence sells at the end of two years. Homeowner B moves into his new house, lives there for three months, and then decides to travel. After a six-month trip, he regrets buying 108 Maple Street and sells it. Even though he has owned the house on Maple Street for over two years, it won't qualify as "owner-occupied", because he only lived in it for a few months. Thus Homeowner B is not eligible to claim the tax exemption when he sells the house on Maple Street.
Consult your tax advisor for advice about your particular circumstance.
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| Q |
What does the term ARM stand for?
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| A |
An ARM is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, a loan where the interest rate is tied to an economic index that fluctuates with the market. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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