Home Buyers

The information on this page will help you get started and answer questions you might have about buying a home in Tracy, Manteca, Lathrop, Mountain House, or any city in the Central Valley CA. You can always contact me if I can be of further assistance.

 

 FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Major Modifications Italicized
February 2009

February 2009 FEATURE

CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008

APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008

REVISED CREDIT –

EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND

Amount of Credit

Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500

Maximum credit amount increased to $8000

Eligible Property

Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.

No change

All principal residences eligible.

Refundable

Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.

No change

Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.

Income Limit

Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

No change

Same income limits continue to apply.

First-time Homebuyer Only

Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.

No change

Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.

Revenue Bond Financing

Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.

No change

Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.

Revenue Bond Financing

No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.

Purchasers who utilize
revenue bond financing can use credit.

Repayment

Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.

No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009

Recapture

If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.

If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of
credit is recaptured on sale.
Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.

Termination

July 1, 2009

(But note program changes for 2009)

December 1, 2009

Effective Date

Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.

All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009

 

Glossary - Unsure of some of the real estate terms you have come across. Look them up here for the definitions.

Home Buying Articles and Advice

  • Don't Buy a Car - or Did You Already Buy One?
  • Things Not To Do Before Buying a Home
  • Reasons to Delay Buying a Home
  • Why Buying a Home is a Good Idea
  • The Business Cycle and Buying a Home
  • What's More Important - Buying a House? Or a Home?
  • Why Search for A Realtor?
  • Looking Ahead - Buyer's Remorse
  • Buying a Home With Resale Value - Location
  • Buying a Home With Resale Value - the House
  • Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price
  • Factors Affecting Your Offer Price
  • Offering to Purchase Real Estate - the Basics
  • Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property
  • How Financing Details Affect Your Offer
  • How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer
  • You and the Seller Must Agree on Some Services
  • Buyer's Remorse - Did You Make a Huge Mistake?

Central Valley California Jobs - Search for jobs here throughout the Central Valley. 

Real Estate Services - Get to know me by reading my profile. I can help you purchase or sell a home in Tracy, Manteca, Lathrop, Mountain House, Stockton, Modesto, or any other city in the Central Valley. Even if you have a home to sell in another area, I can arrange for an agent in your area to get your home on the market. If you would like to meet to discuss your real estate needs, please fill out my professional consultation form to arrange a meeting or call me at (209) 914-3334. 

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