Problem:
Meg and Walt are going to be married in three months. Meg has owned and lived in her home for 42 years, and Walt has owned and occupied his home for 35 years. They both have listed their homes for sale. They anticipate the sales results will be as follows:
Meg's
*Selling price $450K
*Selling expenses $40K
*Adjusted basis $75K
Walt's
*Selling price $190K
*Selling expenses $19K
*Adjusted basis $60K
They intend to purchase a residence in an extended care facility for $400K. They have come to you for advice regarding the following:
Q1. What is their recognized gain if they marry before they sell their residences?
Q2. What is their recognized gain if they marry after they sell their residences?
Q3. Walt would prefer to invest his sales proceeds in the stock market. Does it matter whether the new residence is jointly owned or owned only by Meg?
Q4. Should Meg and Walt delay their marriage if they have not yet sold their residences?