$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

•The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
•The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
•The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
•The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
•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 homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
•For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

•To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
•The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
•The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
•The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
•The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
•Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit

As a buyer, it usually costs nothing to hire a real estate professional to help you find and purchase a home--your Realtor will likely get a portion of the commission the seller or builder pays to his Realtor. When choosing an agent, get referrals from friends, relatives, and co-workers, and then interview as many agents as possible. Pick an agent that works in the neighborhoods you're interested in. Listen to your agent, but make your own decision. Your agent will be there from showing you the houses on the market that match you needs  until he hands the new keys of your home at the closing tables. Please email me or give me a call.

Bill The Realtor 813-421-5651 or Bill@BillTheRealtor.com