First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Take Advantage

Many of you have heard for several months about the $8,000.00 tax credit that is available to first-time homebuyers. If you qualify, and you are ready to buy your first home, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity. The clock is ticking, on this offer. The deadline for this program is December 1, 2009. Let me explain what a time line for the homebuying process might look like.

tick, tick, tick.....  that deadline is getting closer!

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Guidelines:

• Available to first time homebuyers only. If you have not owned a primary residence during the last three years prior to your purchase, you may qualify.
• The credit is 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000.
  
• The credit does not have to be repaid - providing it is your primary residence for a minimum of 36 months.
• You must purchase between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.
• Income limit for single taxpayer is up to $75,000, and up to $150,000 for married couples.
• If you are building a new home, you will qualify providing the date of first occupancy is on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

For more information visit the Internal Revenue Service Question and Answer Section.

In addition to the first time home buyer tax credit there are some loan programs available from your state or local agencies that you may want to investigate. For example here are the loan programs that are available to Massachusetts residents through Mass Housing.

Mass Advantage - loan program for low and moderate-income residents of Massachusetts.
My Community - loan program for low and moderate income residents in Massachusetts. Has higher income guidelines than MassAdvantage program.
Home for the Brave - loan program for veterans of the US armed services.
Take The T Home - loan program for frequent users of public transportation.
Municipal Mortgage Program - loan program for police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses and other public servants that want to buy a home in the community they serve.
Purchase and Rehab Program - loan program for first time home buyers that are purchasing a home that needs major repairs. 

There are specific guidelines, and qualifications for each of these programs and not all lenders offer them. Since the above programs are all offered through Mass Housing, some of them qualify for Mortgage Insurance Plus. Mortgage insurance only covers the lender, mortgage insurance plus offers some protection to you, the borrower. You can speak with your Realtor or Mortgage Specialist for further guidance on what loan may be best suited to your individual needs.  

tick, tick, tick......

.....home prices are down, the interest rates are very favorable, and the first time homebuyer tax credit is only available for a limited amount of time. What are you waiting for?  

Check out Positive News for the Real Estate Industry and Five Reasons to Buy a House Now