**$8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit- Extended
In what has been urged as a must-have by real estate professionals and builders, the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers (previously due to expire Nov. 30), has been extended. As you know not only has it been extended, but it has also been expanded to include more buyers. Read below for additional details...
Frequently Asked Questions About the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify. For sales occurring after November 6, 2009, the Act establishes income limits of $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint returns.The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing joint returns.
1.Who is eligible to claim the $8,000 tax credit?
First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1st, 2009 and before December 1st, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs.
2. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
**4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
(New Info!)
Many individuals today have blemishes on their credit reports. Whether it is from a dreaded case of Identity Theft or not being punctual about paying bills on time, these credit mishaps can cost an individual thousands of dollars in interest if not corrected.
However, there is hope and some simple things can be done to improve a credit score one hundred (100) points in forty-five (45) days.
Interest rates are obviously at historic lows right now. It is a great time for those who are purchasing, as well as those who wish to refinance their homes here in Louisville, KY. Refinancing can save you a lot of money. Read below and find out if it is right for you and exactly how much you can save each month.
What Is Refinancing?
Refinancing gives you the chance to replace your current mortgage with a new loan having a more favorable rate and terms that you can afford to manage. The new loan is offered against the same property as the collateral and may or may not exceed the current loan balance. The new loan funds are used to pay down the current mortgage while any remaining cash can be used to your best advantage.
How a Mortgage Refinance Works
This process will vary slightly from one homeowner to the next and from state to state, based on many factors. But generally speaking, this is how refinancing works for most of us here in Louisville, KY.
Step 1 - Determine Your Home's Value
Step 2 - Determine Your Home Equity
Step 3 - Check Your Credit Report and Score
Step 4 - Find Out if Refinancing Makes Sense
Step 5 - Get Refinancing Quote from Lender
When Should I Refinance My Home?
First of all, I should point out that I'm not telling you to refinance your mortgage loan. That's your decision. The point is that, by the time you finish reading this article, you may find that refinancing is a bad idea for you right now. Or you might find that it makes perfect sense. Either way, you'll come to this realization on your own.
November 11, 2009
November 4, 2009 
jasonthompson