Understanding the new homebuyer tax credit for first-time buyers

If you have recently purchased your first home, or are considering doing so in the next year, here is good news for you . . .

If you have recently purchased your first home, or are considering doing so in the next year, here is good news for you!

One of the programs included in the new housing bill signed by President Bush recenlty is a $7,500 homebuyer tax credit.  While this tax credit has benefits, it is important to understand that this “tax credit” is actually an interest-free loan which will be repaid over a period of 15 years. 

Below is a Q&A that summarizes the program’s features that was put together by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Q: What is the Amount of Credit?
A: 10 percent of the cost of home, not to exceed $7,500

Q: What properties are eligible?
A: Any single-family residence (including condos, co-ops) that will be used as a principal residence.

Q: Is the tax credit refundable?
A: Yes.  It reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase.  Claimed on tax return for that tax year.

Q: Is there an income limit?
A: Yes.  The full amount of credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return).  The benefit of the credit phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively).

Q: Is this program for first-time homebuyers only?
A: Yes.  A portion (6.67 % of credit) has to be repaid each year for 15 years.  If the home sold before 15 years, then the remainder of credit recaptured on sale.

Q: What is the effective date of the program?
A: The credit is good on home purchases on or after April 9, 2008

Q: When does the program conclude?
A: July 1, 2009

Q: What is the tax credit’s interaction with Alternative Minimum Tax?
A: The credit can be used against AMT, so credit will not throw individual into AMT.

Shut up and listen!

Visit http://www.BluefishCoveHouse.com to see how to live on the ocean cheap and easy in Marshfield Massachusetts

OK, now that I have your attention, check this out. I have been investing in real estate for awhile now, and I have to tell you, last summer, I found the greatest little beach house in the Brant Rock area of Marshfield, Massachusetts! Most beach front property in the Marshfiled/Duxbury area will cost you more than $500 per square foot of living space. Why? Simple! When you buy a home on the beach, you pay more for the land than the house. If you have a lot of land and a little house, you’re going to pay plenty. If you have less land, and more house then you get more for your money. Who wants a big yard to care for when you live on the ocean anyway?  Why spend more time doing yard work and less time on the beach? This house has a small lot, and therefore costs less!

So, why am I telling you this? Because this great Marshfield beach house has been renovated, and it’s now for sale. The best part?  You don’t need good credit to qualify to purchase it. You could live in the great little community of Brant Rock (right next to Duxbury). Not looking to move? This is a great investment property which gets up to $2,600 per week as a summer vacation rental. For more information visit http://www.BluefishCoveHouse.com