They can have up to 500k of capital gain tax free (federal, not sure about CA?)

Good news is that those passive losses you couldn't take can be applied to the sale and will reduce your taxable gain.

The US federal government is a currency issuer whereas you and I are currency users.

Shouldnt you be considering lowering your taxable income.

Choose whomever you may be comfortable with, because they all have the same federal laws/regulations which they have to follow.

Only you can assess value to you, all others only provide opinions.Yes, self employed status can be an issue if he is working outside the area of his previous employment, it may not be if he's in the same or similar line of work and then there is the taxable income.Sounds great having built a good relationship at the bank!!!!

The amount of money that has been pumped into the economy from the federal government has to cause inflation sooner or later.

My other suggestion would be to pay the principal down a tad to lower your risk and look good to the bank.The downside to paying it off is you lose your interest tax shield since it's tax deductible and off sets your taxable income.

The amount that you have traded down by, or $250,000, is taxable, and likely will trigger most if not all of your tax consequences.

Interests in installment contracts are covered under the UCC, federal law.