Write to Your Local Paper

Make the case for the More Homes on the Market Act in your own community.

The federal exclusion on home-sale gains hasn't changed since 1997, even as home prices are up more than 264%, leaving millions of homeowners facing a bigger tax bill and keeping many from selling at all. The More Homes on the Market Act would double the exclusion and index it to inflation, so this doesn't happen again. A letter to the editor (LTE) is a short note you send to your local paper for publication, one of the most effective ways to get a lawmaker's attention. Personalize the template below with your own story, then submit it to your paper's letters-to-the-editor or opinion section.

To the Editor:

I’m a [CITY/STATE] resident, and I’m concerned about how difficult it has become for people in my community to find a home they can afford. One way to help is to make it easier for homeowners who want or need to sell to do so.

The federal tax rules for selling a primary home haven’t changed since 1997, even though home prices have risen substantially. That means some homeowners might face a significant tax bill that could discourage them from selling.

The More Homes on the Market Act would double this exclusion from the current $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples and index those amounts to inflation going forward so they don't fall behind again.

I support this change because homeowners should have the freedom to sell when it makes sense for them without an outdated tax rule standing in the way. When more homeowners are able to sell, more homes will become available to people looking to buy.

I hope [MEMBER OF CONGRESS] will support the More Homes on the Market Act.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[CITY, STATE]