Home Buyer Tax Credit

The new First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is incredible!! I know there are a lot of people with a lot of questions right now so, check out FAQs and I also suggest talking to a tax professional.


That said... here are a couple of highlights that I think are very important.


*This is a true credit and does not have to be paid back unless you sell within 3 years of purchase.


* Even if you buy in the first quarter of 2009 you should be able to claim this credit on your 2008 taxes.


* Even if you have already filed your 2008 taxes you should be able to file an ammended return.


* A person qualifies as a first time home buyer if they have never owned a home or if they have not owned a home in the previous 3 years.





Again, I highly suggest you talk to a tax professional about this credit but I personally think this is a great opportunity for buyers.





Give me a call today if you need to find a home and claim your $8,000 credit!

Brandi Nelson, Realtor

Century 21 Signature Real Estate

306 S. 16th Street, Ames, Iowa

515-291-0914

www.hill-nelson.com

Each office independently owned & operated.

Licensed salesperson in the state of Iowa.

Lease to Purchase

If you have poor credit, no credit or just have "issues" with getting traditional financing for a house, you still have options. Buying on contract or lease to purchase arrangements are available and I have a good source for you. If you are interested in more information on how these programs might work, just give me a call!

Brandi Nelson, Realtor
Century 21 Signature Real Estate
306 S. 16th, Ames, Iowa
www.hill-nelson.com
515-291-0914

Each office independently owned & operated.
Licensed salesperson in the state of Iowa.

Home Buyer Tax Credit: How It Works

Daily Real Estate News December 29, 2008

Home Buyer Tax Credit: How It Works

First-time homebuyers in 2008 can take an income-tax credit on their purchase, thanks to passage in Congress earlier this year of the first-time home buyer tax credit.

The definition of first-time homebuyer is generous. To get the credit, the homebuyer cannot have owned a home in the previous three years. The home must be a principal residence and purchased between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009.

The credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $7,500. Single taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income up to $75,000 and couples with MAGI up to $150,000 will qualify for full credit. Singles with MAGI up to $95,000 and couples with MAGI up to $170,000 will get a reduced amount. Those with higher incomes don’t qualify.

If the amount of tax a homebuyer owes is less than the amount of the credit, they get to keep the difference in the form of an IRS refund.

The homebuyer must begin to repay the credit in two years in increments of about $500 a year over a 15-year period for those who received the full creditHomebuyers who sell their home before the credit is repaid must pay off the loan with any profits. If they sell the home at a loss, the loan is forgiven.

[Editor's Note: The credit is set to expire in mid-2009, although industry groups, including the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, are encouraging Congress to extend it. NAR is also encouraging Congress to make the credit available to all buyers and to eliminate the repayment requirement. More detail on how the credit works is available from NAR on REALTOR.org.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (12/28/2008)

Brandi Nelson - The Hill-Nelson Real Estate Team
Century 21 Signature Real Estate, Ames, Iowa
Each office independently owned & operated.
515-291-0914 (cell phone) www.hill-nelson.com

1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Wow, have I been a bad blogger!! Sorry - I'll work on it. Here's a little article that explains the new 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit that's been all over the news... note it is a loan, not a true credit!

Daily Real Estate News August 4, 2008How the New First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Works
Under the new housing bill, home buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years will be eligible for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the property up to a maximum of $7,500.Here’s how it works:
The credit is $3,750 for married couples filing separately. Unmarried people who jointly purchase a home will be able to divide the $7,500 credit.
This program is actually a loan, which home buyers must repay over 15 years at zero percent interest beginning in the second year after they purchase the home. A home buyer who qualified for the whole credit would pay $500 for 15 years or about $41.67 per month.
The credit applies only to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.
High-income home buyers don’t qualify: Eligibility begins phasing out for single filers with adjusted income of more than $75,000 and $150,000 for joint filers. It completely phases out at $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for married couples filing jointly.Source: The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary (07/03/08)


Brandi Nelson - The Hill-Nelson Real Estate Team
Century 21 Signature Real Estate, Ames, Iowa
Each office independently owned & operated.
515-291-0914 (cell phone) www.hill-nelson.com