Federal Tax Credit Program for First Time Homebuyers and Existing Homeowners

I am extremely pleased to share with you an update on the exciting tax credits, designed for first-time home buyers and existing homeowners. 

The new/current bill provides for an incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. First time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years – would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. 

The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

The credit will be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011, for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days. 

Furthermore, tax credits like this only work by creating the sense of urgency to take advantage of them. This is said to be the last extension of the home buyer tax credit and I urge people – whether you’re a first time home buyer who has always dreamed of having a home of your own or someone who has been gridlocked in the challenges of our move-up market – to take advantage of this opportunity. 

Recent IRS Guidelines: 

The IRS has spelled out guidelines for eligibility for the home buyer credit when co-borrowers purchase a property. When a home-owning parent of an adult child co-signs for a home loan and both names appear on the note, the IRS says that under some circumstances, the first-time home buyer can qualify for the whole amount. The IRS says the parent doesn’t qualify for any portion of the credit, but if the child hasn’t owned a home during the three years preceding the current purchase and can qualify based on income, he or she can be allocated the entire $8,000 credit. When unmarried individuals co-purchase a home and only one of them is eligible for the credit, then the full $8,000 can be allocated to the eligible buyer. Source: Washington Post Writers Group

 Now is the time! If you’d like to learn more, please contact me today