Christina Longo at Prospect mortgage sent me the following email this morning:
Senators have agreed to extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit originally set to expire on November 30. Once the Senate officially votes on the bill it will move to the House of Representatives, which strongly supports the extension. The Obama administration has also signaled its strong support for an extension of the tax credit.
Aside from the first-time homebuyer credit, the new plan would offer a $6,500 credit for repeat or move-up homebuyers who have lived in their primary residence for five years or more. The tax credits would be available to buyers who sign purchase agreements on a new or existing primary residence between December 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Buyers would have until June 30 to close on their new homes.
There is an $800,000 price limit on all homes eligible for the credit. The income limits for all buyers would rise to $125,000 per year for individuals and $225,000 for married couples. Under the current program, the limits are $75,000 and $150,000 respectively. The first-time homebuyer credit is also available to those who have not owned a home in the previous three years. The credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be the primary residence within three years.
According to the Treasury Department, more than 1.2 million borrowers have claimed $8.5 billion of the $13.6 billion set aside for the first-time homebuyer tax credit.
Please be advised that this legislation has not yet passed, but I will be sure to keep you informed as it moves through Congress toward approval.
My Thoughts: Hurray! This is great news. I am really excited about the fact that they are most likely going to also allow move-up buyers to take advantage of the program with the $6,500 tax credit. I think this is just what we need to keep home sales active during the slow season and really get them fired up during the Spring. Let’s just cross our fingers that the House approves it too!
Related posts:
- FHA Permits Use of $8000 Tax Credit as Down Payment!! Great news for first time home buyers released today! ...
- New $8000 Tax Credit Loan Program for Down Payments and Closing Costs Our good friend David Bolton over at Prospect Mortgage...
- Make November 16th Your Personal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Deadline! Brian Cavanaugh of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage just sent...
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