A Focus on Family. Though there’s an excitement to this fresh start, it’s often tempered by fears of the unknown: You don’t know the people, the places, the shortcuts, or the ins and outs of your new area. But during this period of adjustment, families often benefit by retreating into the comfort of known relationships and shared interests. This hunkering down could prove to be the nexus for new traditions that last for generations. The sale and purchase of houses are well-worn practices, with multiple sources of professional assistance available at every turn. A real estate agent handles all the details for the sale of your home, the search and purchase of a new house, and solicitations and negotiations with interested parties. A mortgage lender generally coordinates the legal transfer of the property, including title searches and insurance, tax filings, and legal work, in addition to providing the funds to buy the new home. In short, you’re in familiar territory here, daunting though it may be. There are numerous tax laws that affect the calculation of taxes upon the sale of one’s home and the repurchase of its replacement. A married couple can exclude up to $500,000 in gain from the sale of the initial house if they meet certain conditions. And tax credits may be available, depending on when you buy property. Definitely seek professional advice to understand the tax implications of selling your home and buying a new one.