Answers by Linda Pope

Great question. The $250k capital gains exclusion only applies if the home was your primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years. Since you lived there only one year, it likely wouldn’t qualify for the full exclusion. If it’s considered a second home or investment, the gain is usually taxable. There may be some strategies depending on your situation, so it’s best to review it with a CPA.

Yes—it can help. Staging (including virtual staging) often helps homes sell faster and sometimes for more money because buyers can better visualize how a space can be used. Virtual staging is much cheaper and mainly helps the listing photos stand out online, which gets more buyers through the door. The key is transparency—most buyers don’t mind it as long as the listing also shows the empty room and clearly says the photos are virtually staged. Short answer: It usually helps attract interest online, and buyers generally aren’t bothered if it’s disclosed and realistic.

Yes—you absolutely can choose not to have your home photographed. It’s completely your call. That said, I always like to be real with my clients… in today’s market, buyers shop online first, and photos are what get them in the door. If we don’t have photos (or only very limited ones), it’s going to reduce your exposure, which usually means fewer showings, more days on market, and potentially lower offers. There is a middle ground though—Your agent can absolutely be strategic about what they photograph, avoid personal areas, limit certain rooms, or keep it more minimal while still creating enough interest to drive traffic. At the end of the day, it’s your decision, I just want to make sure you understand how it can impact your sale so your agent can position you the strongest way possible.

If your goal is to live on land, we just need to make sure we buy the right land. Not all land is created equal. Zoning, utilities, and county rules will determine what you can actually do with it. The opportunity is there—we just have to be strategic about it. Cities that are more apt to this lifestyle are: Lucerne Valley, Newberry Springs, Phelan, Pinon Hills.