Archive for the ‘housing tax credit’ Category

Singles benefit more from housing tax credit – video

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

News video regarding home buyer tax credit.

Housing tax credits – 58 days to go!

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Homebuyers have 58 days to obtain a written, binding contract to qualify for the housing tax credits. First-time buyers and buyers who have not owned a primary residence for the past 3 years qualify for an $8,000 tax credit (or 10% percent of the sales price, whichever is less) so long as they are under contract by April 30, 2010 and close on the home by July 1, 2010. Homebuyers who have owned a primary residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years qualify for a $6,500 tax credit. The home being purchased in either scenario must be a primary residence.

Income limits are very generous for those who buy between now until April 30, 2010:

  • $125,000 – single (Additional $20,000 phase out)
  • $225,000 – married (Additional $20,000 phase out)

While the $8,000 tax credit is getting a lot of use, Realtors are seeing very few existing homeowners taking advantage of the $6,500 tax credit.

The housing tax credits were extended under the H.R. 3548 Worker Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009

DHW asks: Will you take advantage of the housing tax credits?

IRS releases new tax rebate form for recent home purchases

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

The IRS released its long awaited tax rebate form 5405 for buyers who closed on a home after November 6, 2009.

DHW asks: Will you use the new form 5405 to requisition your tax credit?

Game clock: Housing tax credits expire in 107 days

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Buyers hoping to take advantage of the housing tax credits will need to have a written, binding contract in effect by April 30, 2010. Buyers will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

There are exceptions for certain armed service, intelligence service and foreign service personnel.

DHW asks: Will you take advantage of the housing tax credits?

Tax Credits: extra perks for armed service and foreign service personnel

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Press release explaining housing tax credits benefits for the armed service, intelligence service and foreign service personnel  (National Association of Realtors).

“SAN DIEGO – Nov. 13, 2009 – According to the National Association of Realtors@ (NAR), the recent homebuyer tax credit extension expands benefits for the U.S. military.

Armed service, intelligence service and foreign service personnel on active duty and out of the U.S. for 90 days during any part of 2009 get an additional year to buy their homes – to May 1, 20ll.

Another benefit is a waiver on the time of occupancy. Most homebuyers using the tax credit must use that home as a principal residence for a period of no fewer than three years or forfeit the entire credit. But military, intelligence and foreign service members do not have to repay the credit if they sell their home in less than three years if they move because of official business.

“NAR is the leading advocate for private property and homeownership issues, and firmly believes that those who are in service to their country should be full participants in the homebuyer tax credit law,” says NAR President Charles McMillan. “These men and women are often hindered by hardships from full participation in the American dream of homeownership because their duty disrupts them in the buying and selling of a home.” NAR was a main advocate for the homebuyer’s tax credit extension into 2010 and its expansion to include present homeowners.

Under the tax credit extension, eligible first-time homebuyers can get a tax credit up to $8,000. Current homeowners are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit, provided they have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as their principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight years.

Income limits for eligible homebuyers are expanded to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. The purchase price of the home cannot exceed $800,000. To help guard against fraud, buyers are required to attach documentation of purchase to their tax return.”

Tick-tock, Housing Tax Credits expire in 153 days

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Before you know it, we’ll be saying goodbye to the beloved housing tax credits that brought new life to sales markets around the country. Here are some helpful links for first-time buyers seeking an $8,000 tax credit and for those taking advantage of the $6,500 tax credit.

The $8,000 Tax Credit (this link is provided by the National Association of Home Builders. However, you do not need to buy a new home to qualify for the tax credit)

The $6,500 Tax Credit

DHW asks: Will you take advantage of the Housing Tax Credits before they expire?

Will expanding the housing tax credits beyond first time homebuyers contribute to housing inventory woes?

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

The Capital published an intriguing article addressing the potential side-effects of expanding the housing tax credits beyond first time homebuyers. The article raises some fair questions with regard to existing homes needing to be liquidated so that current homeowners can take advantage of the housing tax credits now afforded to them. The Capital article focuses on housing inventory in D.C. and its surrounding area. However, this potential side-effect could present itself in other parts of the country.

DHW asks: Do you think expanding the housing tax credits beyond first time homebuyers will increase housing inventories?

Realtors forecast uptick in home prices 2010

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, predicted on Friday that home prices will rise in 2010. If his prediction holds true, home prices will see their first increase in four years.

Yun pointed to the current price-income ratio of 2.4 as evidence of pent-up demand in the market. The price-income ratio accelerated from a norm of 2.6 in 1984-2001 to 3.3 in 2005. This means the price-income ratio has dipped below its pre-bubble rate. 

The housing tax credit extension is also seen as a contributing factor to rising homes prices next year.   

DHW asks: Do you think home prices will rise in 2010?

Critics be damned. Home sales up, prices down

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Critics of the Housing Tax Credit were quieted, if only briefly, when the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released data for third quarter home sales. According to the trade group, home sales increased by nearly 6% over this same time last year. Despite the spike in sales, prices have fallen more than 11% during the same period. The U.S. median existing single-family price for the third quarter was $177,900.

Opponents of the housing tax credit feared an inflationary reaction in home prices. Although housing inventories are down, existing units still outweigh the demand.

NAR chief economist,  Lawrence Yun, predicts home prices will stabalize next spring. His prediction may be overly optimistic. Foreclosures and short sales made up 30% of thrid quarter sales. There is no real evidence to suggest foreclosures will take a breather in 2010.

DHW asks: Do you see a bottom to the housing market?

DesperateHouseWise Update

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

DesperateHouseWise.com added a new page to its site. Modification Center offers helpful information for homeowners seeking a loan modification or refinance. Find information about Making Home Affordable and local foreclosure prevention events. You can even find a free, HUD-approved housing counselor.

DHW also added Housing Tax Credits. This page provides in-depth information regarding the recent extension and additions to the housing tax credits.

DHW asks: Have you applied for a loan modification? How was your experience?