This is the most up to date information that I have about the NEW First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Stimulus Plan that has supposedly been agreed on by the House and Senate, although not actually approved yet or signed into law yet.  I received an email earlier this afternoon from my manager at that was forwarded from Dave Stevens (COO of Long and Foster).  The chart below is a great depiction about the changes that have been made from the original so called tax credit (a.k.a. interest free loan) which make it a true credit now!  However, I have to give credit to Dave since I didn't actually design the chart below.  I thought that it was so good that I would share it with you all here on AR!

FEATURE

CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008

APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008

REVISED CREDIT -

EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009

Amount of Credit

Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500

Maximum credit amount increased to $8000

Eligible Property

Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.

No change

All principal residences eligible.

Refundable

Yes.  Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase.  Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.

No change

Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.

Income Limit

Yes.  Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return).  Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

No change

 

Same income limits continue to apply.

 

First-time Homebuyer Only

Yes.  Purchaser (and purchaser's spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.

No change

Still available for first-time purchasers only.  Three-year rule continues to apply.

Revenue Bond Financing

No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.

Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.

Repayment

Yes.  Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.

No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009

Recapture

If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.

If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale.  Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.

Termination

July 1, 2009 

(But note program changes for 2009)

December 1, 2009

 

  

Effective Date

Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009.  Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.

All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009

Let me know what you think!

Have you heard any more updates that haven't been mentioned here?

 
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12 Comments on TAX CREDIT UPDATE - First Time Home Buyer Credit

FEB
13
242,264 Points 27 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Michael - great update and summary !  I still cannot believe the $15,000 tax credit did not get approved.  That should have been the first item included !  It is crazy...

7:58pm • #1
195,861 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I know, I have no idea what in the world they were thinking other than PORK, PORK, PORK.  It is very unfortunate that they did not approve the $15,000 bill.  I think a lot of people were counting on the $15,000 and now that it is basically in half, I think those same people may not be as motivated.  It is the same as dangling the interest rates at 4% fixed?  It hasn't happened and there are tons of people just waiting for it to come.  STOP THE EMPTY PROMISES!  But at least they got the elimination of the payback requirement right this time!

8:03pm • #2
568,440 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I saw a report on one of the conservative news programs that there is $8 billion for home buyers.

8:07pm • #3
195,861 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

What a joke, $8 billion out of $790+ billion?  Isn't that barely 1% of the total package.  I SMELL PORK!!!

8:10pm • #4
1 Featured Post

Nice chart.  I might have to "borrow" it to explain to some clients.   The first tax credit did not work so well the first time so lets add $500, 6 months, a dash of paprika, and now it's perfect?!

8:21pm • #5

So.. basically if you bought your home in 2008 you're screwed and have to pay it back, while everyone else gets it as credit?

We just bought our first home 2 weeks before the new year  -_-

I suppose it's just as well, we used a Bond program also, so didn't expect to get anything anyway

 

Lizzie
10:24pm • #7
1 Featured Post

Thanks for sharing.  Hopefully first time buyers will stand up and pay attention to this.  Now is a great time to buy!

11:59pm • #9
FEB
14
363,562 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I think one of the best things with the new credit is that it is a credit -- I think the 8K will make a difference to a lot of people who qualify.  What was the source you used to outline the new credit? 

9:42am • #10
FEB
24

If you bought your house in 2008, please make sure you contact your Senators and Congressmen to let them know that you are unhappy with the fact that this credit has to be repaid unlike the credit given to people who buy their house in 2009.  If enough people voice their thoughts, they may grandfather in purchases from 2008...

April
8:23pm • #11
FEB
25
195,861 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

April, one could only hope for that.  Although, I am not so optimistic about it...

9:06pm • #12

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Michael Klijanowicz - Relocation Specialist - Baltimore & Harford County

Perry Hall, MD

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Baltimore & Harford County Maryland - Long and Foster

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