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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Dava Royer
Royer Realty Ltd.
301 E. Columbus Ave.
Bellefontaine, OH. 43311
Office: 937-592-7653
Cell: 937-935-6990
E-Fax: 937-593-6972
Email: dava@royerrealty.com

I was born and raised in Bellefontaine, Ohio. I've been in the real estate business for over 25 years and formed Royer Realty in 1988, specializing in residential real estate throughout Logan County and surrounding areas.