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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Shana Rohde-Lynch
Frank Howard Allen Realtors
511 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Greenbrae, CA 94904
Phone: 415-925-3225
Fax: 415-461-5489
E-Mail: shanamarin@aol.com
shanarohde@NUMBER1EXPERT.com
DRE # 01079806

Shana Rohde-Lynch has a proven track record that no other agent in Marin County can match. Shana is coming up on 22 years with Frank Howard Allen Realtors. In 2002 Shana was inducted into the Frank Howard Allen "Hall of Fame" achieving the highest honor attainable within the company. Shana was named #1 agent for all of Marin County closing 52 transactions in 2003 and 70 transactions in 2004. A top producing agent for 2005 and 2006. 2007 was one of the more challenging years in real estate and Shana, yet again came out a star as one of the #9 Agent in the county! In 2008 and 2009 Shana was in the top ten for Frank Howard Allen. Shana's expertise and extensive experience shines through. With a full support staff working exclusively for Shana, it enables her to devote more time to her clients, providing them with the utmost in fast, efficient service, and follow through. Whether you are searching for the home of your dreams, or thinking of selling it, Shana can turn your dreams into reality!

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