Home Buyer Program Extended……

Great News!  The Federal Government DID extend the federal tax credit through April 30, 2010,
with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place before the deadline. First-time homebuyers will continue to be
eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will be eligible for a reduced credit of up to $6,500.
To qualify for the $6,500 credit, existing homeowners must have lived in their current homes for at least five years.
The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to
$125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances.

Under additional provisions included in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009
income tax returns. The legislation maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home
remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.

Nationwide, more than 1.4 million first-time home buyers were given the chance to become homeowners as a result of the Federal Tax Credit for
First-time Home Buyers. It is expected that number to increase dramatically in the months ahead with this new legislation in place.