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The Home Buying Trifecta!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Top Agent Plus

Buying a home between Nov 30th 2009 and Apr 30th 2010 - could be a triple score for the homebuyer.

Moving up, downsizing, or buying that first home just became a little more attractive. Now that the first time homebuyer tax credit has been officially extended and improved, you could be in store for scoring a trifecta.

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 Home prices are down!


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Interest rates are low
!

and

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You may qualify for a tax credit up to $8,000.00 for first time homebuyers
or up to $6,500.00 for current homeowners!


Add them up anyway you want, and if you do not qualify for the tax credit, I am confident I could find you a third (fourth, fifth, or even sixth) reason why it might be a good time for you to buy real estate.


Here is a summary of the first time homebuyers tax credit.

  • 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 from November 6, 2009, be under contract for a home by April 30, 2010 and close before July 1, 2010.
  • Income limit for single taxpayer is up to $125,000, and up to $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • The homes purchase price may not exceed $800,000.00
  • Must be 18 years of age at time of purchase to qualify.

For complete details visit the IRS website First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Here is a summary of the long-time resident tax credit.

  • Available to a buyer that has owned and used the same home as a principal or primary residence for at least 5 consecutive years of an 8 year period.
  • The credit is 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $6,500.
  • The credit does not have to be repaid providing it is your primary residence for a minimum of 36 months.
  • You must purchase from November 6, 2009, be under contract for a home by April 30, 2010 and close before July 1, 2010.
  • Income limit for single taxpayer is up to $125,000, and up to $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • The homes purchase price may not exceed $800,000.00
  • Must be 18 years of age at time of purchase to qualify.

Here are the tax credit guidelines for Members of The Military and some other Federal Employees

The details of the tax credit are provided for informational purposes only. In order to determine whether or not you qualify for any of the tax credits listed above, it is recommeded that you consult a tax professional.

Deborah Thornburg Peaks
Weichert Realty, Baron & Snipes - West End, VA
Broker

Real estate defaults into the three basic human needs...food, SHELTER and clothing:)

Yippee!

Nov 29, 2009 03:50 AM
Judy Jennings
Top Agent Plus - Middleboro, MA
Tap into Judy's real estate expertise & resources.

Deborah - Shelter is a very important basic need and hopefully the lower home prices, low interest rates and the tax incentive will be enough for those that are still waiting for their ideal opportunity.

Nov 29, 2009 04:00 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Judy, Your presentation is excellent and to the point. I can't improve on it, so I will just reblog it. Thanks.

Nov 29, 2009 04:09 AM
Judy Jennings
Top Agent Plus - Middleboro, MA
Tap into Judy's real estate expertise & resources.

Wayne - Thank you, I appreciate the compliment.

Nov 29, 2009 04:12 AM
Marian Pierre-Louis
Fieldstone Historic Research - Medway, MA
Metrowest Boston

Excellent post Judy!  Love the graphics for effect.  I'm going to re-blog it and spread the word.

Nov 29, 2009 09:04 AM
Judy Jennings
Top Agent Plus - Middleboro, MA
Tap into Judy's real estate expertise & resources.

Thanks Marian, I am glad you liked the post and graphics. Thanks for the re-blog.

Nov 29, 2009 09:37 AM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Judy -- I have a few buyers who are debating whether to buy now or wait a year and this tax credit is giving them real impetus to decide.

Dec 08, 2009 09:05 AM
Judy Jennings
Top Agent Plus - Middleboro, MA
Tap into Judy's real estate expertise & resources.

Chris - It certainly has its advantages for those that qualify. Good luck with your buyers.

Dec 10, 2009 11:50 AM