Dani Hallsell | Real Estate Blog

  Home equity may feel like a hefty asset... until you sell. For roughly 29 million U.S. households in 2025 , accumulated equity now exceeds the $250,000 (individual) and $500,000 (joint filer) capital gains tax exclusion—unchanged since 1997.  In hot housing markets, this means many sellers are unexpectedly stepping into taxable territory.  🔍 What the Capital Gains Exclusion Actually Covers Under current U.S. tax law, you may exclude:   Up to $250K (single) or $500K (married filing jointly) of profit from the sale of a primary residence   If you owned and lived in the home for at least 2 of the last 5 years before selling Anything beyond that? It’s taxed at a capital gains rate up to 20% , plus a 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for higher earners.  ⚠️ Why Many Sellers Now Owe a “Home Equity Tax” 📉 The exclusion limits were set in 1997 and never adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, home prices skyrocketed—especially in areas like California, New York,...

  Last week was supposed to be all about the latest inflation report—but as often happens in the world of finance, a surprising headline stole the spotlight. From tariff concerns quietly creeping into prices to a midweek rumor about political interference at the Federal Reserve, the markets had plenty to react to. If you’ve been wondering why mortgage rates have been bouncing around, we’re breaking it all down in simple terms—no market jargon required. 📊 What Happened Last Tuesday? The government released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which shows how prices are rising or falling — in other words, inflation . Everyone was watching this closely to see if new tariffs (taxes on imports) were making everyday goods more expensive. 👉 The report showed that inflation was a bit higher than the last report, but lower than expected overall . ✅ At first, that was good news for mortgage rates, which dropped briefly. But after digging deeper, traders noticed that prices on some impo...

  Tariffs are back in the headlines, and while they might seem like a distant issue tied to international trade 🌍, they can have a surprising impact on something much closer to home: mortgage rates 💸. As a homebuyer or seller, it’s important to understand how broader economic policies—like tariffs on imported goods—can ripple through the economy and influence the housing market, particularly the interest rates on home loans 🏠📊. What Are Tariffs? 🚢📦 Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. Governments use them to protect domestic industries, influence trade relationships, or raise revenue. For example, if the U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on steel, that imported steel becomes more expensive, which can drive up prices for products that use steel—like appliances, cars, or even construction materials 🛠️🚗. The Chain Reaction: From Tariffs to Mortgage Rates 🔄 Here’s how tariffs can eventually affect mortgage rates: 1. Tariffs Can Drive Inflation 📈 When tariffs raise the cost of...

  Mortgage rates had quite the party 🎉 throughout June, dropping lower and making things more attractive for homebuyers 🏠 and those looking to refinance 💸. But just like every good party, this one came to an end when some stronger-than-expected economic data crashed the scene 📉. When the economy looks strong 💪, mortgage rates tend to go up — and that’s exactly what happened. Rates jumped 🚀 and stayed a bit elevated through early this week. But after that? Not much changed. Things mostly stayed flat ➖. 🤔 Why the Stall? No Big News This Week Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by the bond market 💵, which often reacts to key economic data 📊. But this week, there wasn’t much of that. With no major reports to stir things up, rates just kind of hovered 💤. There were some minor moves from things like trade news 📰, Federal Reserve comments 🏦, and government bond sales 🧾, but nothing major. By the time the week wrapped up, rates were pretty much the same as they were on Tuesd...

  Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a major financial asset. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out if you’re no longer able to make decisions or after your passing. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started: What Is an Estate Plan—and How Is It Different from a Will? A will is a legal document that outlines what happens to your assets after your death. Estate planning , on the other hand, is a broader process. It prepares for both end-of-life decisions and situations where you may become incapacitated. An estate plan may include: A will Trusts A durable power of attorney (naming someone to make decisions on your behalf) Other legal documents based on your unique needs Consulting with an estate attorney or financial planner can help ensure your plan is complete and meets your state’s legal requirements. When Should I Begin Estate Planning? It’s never too early to start. Key life events—like buying a home, getting married, or having children—are perfect...