Significant tax reform legislation was signed into law with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. This legislation replaced both the one-time $125,000 tax-free exclusion for homeowners aged 55 and older, and the "rollover" deferment of capital gains tax requiring the purchase of a replacement home of higher or equal cost within two years of the sale of your principal residence.

With this change, a married couple filing their taxes jointly pays capital gains taxes only on that portion of home sales profits that exceeds $500,000. Single taxpayers, heads of households, and married persons filing separately may exclude up to $250,000. The exclusion is available for all sales of homes that occurred on or after May 6, 1997. Homeowners can use this tax-free provision every two years.

You are allowed to keep these tax-free profits only if you have owned and used the home as your principal residence for two out of the five years prior to the sale of the property. Although the regulations do not require continuous occupancy, the IRS specifies that your principal residence must be the home you use for the majority of time during the year. Consult your tax advisor about your personal circumstance.

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The Chris Knight Team
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel
177 N. Main Street Suite 100
Plymouth, MI 48170
Direct Line: 734-738-2958
Fax: 734-453-3245
chrisknight@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Why Choose Chris Knight

Since 1998, Chris Knight of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel in Plymouth, has been named Coldwell Bankers #1 Agent in Michigan.

Over the years, Chris has consistently earned the "Circle of Excellence," "Top Sales Associate," "President's Top 30," and "Founder's" awards from his company

Chris began his career 26 years ago and now virtually 100 percent of his business is based on referrals and repeat customers.

Chris has always had a strong work ethic and keen entrepreneurial sense. He now employs a full-time office staff to handle administrative duties. This allows him to maintain frequent personal contact with his clients, keeping them apprised of his efforts, new listings, and potential buyers.

More importantly, Chris always looks after his clients from an investment standpoint. "I like to make sure my clients get a good value so when they're ready to sell the house years later, it will have been a good investment for them," he explains.

Chris is a native of the Plymouth area, currently residing in Plymouth Township with his wife Sue and their daughters, Kylie and Alyssa.

The Chris Knight Team is one of The Top Selling Real Estate Experts™

Why Do Some Real Estate Agents Outsell Others 8 to 1?

They negotiate the best deals, list the best homes, have the biggest network of buyers looking for homes, and market properties more effectively, both on the web and off. That's why people come back to them again and again. That's why they sell more homes! They are proven winners - and people know it.

How good is YOUR agent? The Chris Knight Team:

• Helped people buy and sell a staggering 482 properties in 2009! That's a home or property bought or sold every 16 hours.
• Had over $80 Million in total sales volume for 2009.
• Has more than 26 years experience in real estate.
• Employs a team of 2 full-time administrative assistants and four buyers agents dedicated to helping people buy and sell homes.

For more information please visit www.NUMBER1EXPERT.com.

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