Selling a house after owning it for only a year can be daunting, especially if you’re having to sell quickly. There are many questions to consider such as, “Will I have to pay capital gains taxes?” and “What will the selling costs look like?” With the answers to those questions, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s worth selling your home after owning it for just one year or less, and what to expect if you do.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Get a Cash Offer on Your Home With Cash Is King.
Want to skip the hassle of selling your home? We’ll make you a Guaranteed Cash offer. Get started now for free!
The 5-Year Rule & Capital Gain Taxes
The 5-year rule is a guideline that suggests it’s best for homeowners to stay in their home for at least five years before selling. This helps reduce the risk of incurring financial losses when you decide to sell. It’s important to consider all potential expenses related to selling, such as closing costs, realtor fees, and any repairs or upgrades needed prior to sale.
One of the biggest reasons for the five-year rule is because of tax laws. If you’re considering selling your home after owning it for a year, be aware that any profits from the sale may be subject to capital gains taxes. Depending on how long you have owned your home, different rates of taxation will apply:
- If you sell within a year of purchase, your regular income tax bracket will determine the rate of taxation.
- For homes owned more than a year, profits will be taxed at either 0%, 15%, or 20%.
If you own a primary residence for at least two years out of the five prior to the sale, up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) of profit may be excluded from taxation.
It’s important to remember that any amount exceeding these limits could still incur taxes upon sale. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an accountant prior to making any decisions in order to understand what fees may apply and plan accordingly.
Get Ready For the Costs of Selling a House
When selling, you’ll have plenty of costs to consider. One of the most significant costs is the real estate agent commission. It’s usually between 5 and 6 percent of the home sale price, which could be a large sum depending on how much your home sold for. You may also need to pay for staging and photography to ensure your house looks its best when it hits the market.
Lastly, there are closing costs like title insurance and escrow fees which can add up quickly if you’re not prepared for them. It’s important to look into all these costs before putting your house up for sale as they can add up quickly and eat into any profits from the sale.
Selling a home is an expensive undertaking—even more so if you’re in financial trouble—and paying attention to these costs can make sure you get back what you put in without any surprises along the way. Planning ahead and doing some research will go a long way towards helping you make sure everything goes smoothly during the sale process so that you can focus on looking forward rather than worrying about past expenses.
Prepare For Another Round of Moving Costs
Moving can be an expensive endeavor, with costs such as hiring a mover and purchasing packaging supplies. If you’re selling your home soon after buying it, that’s the potential for two expensive moves in a short period—maybe even less than a year apart.
Ensure you research all the available movers in your area before deciding who to hire. Consider factors such as customer reviews, average rates, and any extra services they offer, such as storage solutions or unpacking services. It’s also important to get multiple quotes to ensure you receive the best value for your money.
Once the move is complete, don’t forget to account for any damage done during transit so you can make sure everything is taken care of before closing on the sale of your home. With proper planning and research ahead of time, moving out after owning a home for one year doesn’t have to be financially straining.
How to Offset the Costs of Selling Your Home Early
To offset the costs of selling your home early, consider taking on some of the tasks yourself and leveraging your own resources. Making small improvements to your home before you list it can help increase the home’s value. This could include painting, replacing outdated fixtures or other minor repairs.
Consider not working with a moving company to save money on the move. You may have access to friends or family who can help move items, or you may be able to rent a truck instead of hiring movers. For more savings, entirely bypassing agent commissions and staging costs are some of the many benefits of selling to a cash buyer.
Additionally, don’t forget that if you wait at least one year after purchasing a house before selling it again, you’ll qualify for long-term rather than short-term capital gains and may owe less in taxes. Keeping this in mind as well as researching real estate trends in your area can help ensure that any early sale is worth it financially.
Can You Sell Your House After One Year or Less?
Selling a house after a year or less or ownership can be a stressful process. But, by preparing for capital gains taxes, closing costs, and moving costs you’ll be ready for the process. Keep in mind that you may be able to offset some of these costs if you make some home improvements and save money where you can on the move. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Get a Cash Offer On Your Home
No Commission. No Hassle. You pick the closing date.
CashIsKing.com works with cash investors on a daily basis and partners with investors who can deliver quick cash offers on properties of all conditions and locations. Why wait? Get a cash offer from an investor today!
Get a Cash Offer