SI Real Estate Tampa and The Beaches

The deadline is quickly approaching for potential home buyers to complete their first-time home purchases in order to qualify for the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit . Buyers who are eager to take advantage of this government incentive have until November 30th to reach a successful closing on their new home. The average home buying process typically takes 30 to 45 days from the contract date to closing. During that time, inspections must be conducted, the mortgage company must complete an appraisal and all financial documents are required. In order to meet the looming deadline for the tax credit, a home needs to be under contract not much later than October 25th in order to ensure enough time for the mortgage closing process. It's important for people to recognize that the sooner they act, the better. Many first time buyers may not fully understand the time it takes to finalize all the elements of the buying process. In order to avoid additional complications that may slow ...

The American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 authorized a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Any home that will be used as your principal residence qualifies for the tax credit. The law defines a "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-yaer period prior to the purchase. First-time home buyers purchasing any type of home, new or resale, are eligible to receive the tax credit as long as the closing date and title transfer occurs before December 1, 2009. The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000 and $150,000 for a married taxpayers filling a joint return. The money comes in the form of a tax refund, meaning that you will not receive the money until after the house is bought and your 2009 tax return is ...