It's Official - Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended (and expanded)!
Its going to be a very happy holiday season now that the bill that includes the First -Time Homebuyer Tax Credit extension and the new Current Homebuyer Tax Credit was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Friday, November 6th. Best of all, its effective immediately!
The bill extends the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, PLUS it adds a new credit for current homeowners of up to $6,500.
Now Current Homeowners Can Qualify For $6,500 Tax Credit too! The new $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners is by far the most exciting portion of the bill, giving some much needed assistance to homebuyers looking to move up to a larger home or relocate to a new area. To qualify, current homeowners must have lived in their home as their principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
This means that even if a homeowner is currently renting, but moved out of a home they lived in and owned for five years within the last three years, they are still eligible for the $6,500 Tax Credit. If they have been out of their home for three years or longer, then they are eligible for the $8,000 Tax Credit!
Tax Credit Details For both credits, homebuyers must have an accepted sales agreement in hand by April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010 to be eligible to claim the tax credits. The extension is wonderful, but April 30th is not that far away. Extra time is required if the property selected is a short sale or foreclosure property. And current homeowners need added time to market and sell their existing home.
This new bill also expanded the income limits, effectively opening the tax credit to more buyers. Income limits have been raised to $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for joint tax payers. Previously, they were $75,000 and $150,000 respectively. This is essential for the tax credit to reach as many homebuyers as possible.
Buyers who qualify don't need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.
Finally, there has been a maximum limit set at $800,000 for the cost of the home.
Exception for Military The credit has been extended an additional year for military personnel that were deployed overseas for a minimum of 90 days in 2008 or 2009. In other words, the credit ends for everyone on April 30, 2010, except active-duty military working overseas. They have until April 30, 2011 to finalize a contract.
Homebuyers received an early holiday gift with this extended and expanded tax credit, and now its time to take advantage of it before it's too late! Do you know someone who qualifies?
Share this great news with everyone you know who is considering the purchase of a new home.
ZIP Codes: 30360, 30338, 30341, 30346, 30350, 30356 Approximate Location Boundaries: North of Buckhead and Atlanta, at the Intersection of GA 400 and Route 285
Location Characteristics: Upscale Dunwoody is close to everything with its central proximity to GA 400, Routes 275, 75, 85, MARTA, Buckhead and Atlanta. Dunwoody offers a fine balance of jobs, housing, restaurants and shopping with Perimeter Mall.
About Sara Hibbard:
I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate is ON YOUR MIND!
Whether you are planning to relocate to the Atlanta metro area, thinking about Selling your home, a first time home buyer or ready for your second, third or even fourth home, I look forward to assisting you in the Atlanta metro area when the time is right for you.
In the meantime, here's an invitation to visit my web sites located at www.sarahibbard.com and www.sarahibbardrealestate.com. My web sites are packed with tons of information pertinent to your needs as a buyer or seller of real estate. You can also search ALL HOMES currently on the market at both my web sites.
Please feel free to call me anytime at 404-843-2500 or directly at 770-399-8108.
These reports reflect the views and opinions of their authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of Realty Times.