Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved an extension of jobless benefits and a tax credit for home buyers, sending the measure to President Barack Obama for signature. The bill, approved unanimously by the Senate late Wednesday, keeps a first-time home buyer tax credit alive until next spring, and expands it to include some people who already own a house.
Tax credit: Ten percent of the purchase price of a primary residence, up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers. First-time homebuyers are defined as people who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Repeat buyers must have owned their current home at least five years. The credit cannot be used for houses costing more than $800,000.
Deadline for qualifying: Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30.
Military deadline: The deadline is extended by a year for members of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days from Jan. 1, 2009, to May 1, 2010.
Income limits: Individuals with annual incomes up to $125,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
How to apply: Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
Joseph Metzler, MMS, UMB
33 Wentworth Ave E #290
West St Paul, MN 55118
Ph: (651) 552-3681
Cell: (651) 592-4460
Fax: (651) 994-6425
www.JoeMetzler.com
We Beat the Banks Everyday
With the amount of offers coming in on REO properties(Bank Owned Properties), there has been a new trend among buyers. The trend is to just offer as high as possible to get the property under contract. After the contract is accepted by the bank, they have to get an appraisal for the loan.