06/17/2026
Most people never think about the fact that someone in Washington is arguing over the rules that decide whether they can buy a home, or keep the one they have. This week, I was that someone.
I led the conversation at Rep. Seth Moulton's office during the NAR Legislative Meetings, joined by REALTORS® across the MA 6th district. I brought a pipeline, not a wish list: streamline new construction, raise the capital gains exclusion that hasn't moved since 1997 so long term owners can downsize without a tax penalty, and convert aging commercial space into much needed residential units.
Here's the one most North Shore homeowners actually feel. That 1997 capital gains rule means a lot of people who've been in their house for decades stay put rather than sell into a tax bill, which keeps starter homes off the market for the next family.
Have you ever felt locked into a house you'd otherwise sell? That's the gap I went to Washington to argue.