Ten Facts about the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Ten Facts about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Many taxpayers who purchase a home in Maryland this year will qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit. The refundable first-time homebuyer credit is a major tax provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. But time is running out to qualify for this credit.

Here are ten things the IRS wants you to know about the first-time homebuyer credit:

1. To be considered a first-time homebuyer, you – and your spouse if you are married – must not have jointly or separately owned another principal residence during the three years prior to the date of purchase.

2. You cannot claim the credit before there is a completed sale and purchase of the residence. The sale and purchase are generally completed at the time of closing on the purchase.

3. To qualify for the credit, the completed purchase must occur before December 1, 2009.

4. The home must be located in the United States.

5. The credit is either 10 percent of the purchase price of the home or $8,000, whichever is less.

6. The amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is more than $75,000 or $150,000 for joint filers.

7. The credit is fully refundable. A homebuyer with no taxable income, who qualifies for the credit, may file for the sole purpose of claiming the credit and receive a refund. The credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.

8. The credit is claimed on IRS Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyers Credit.

9. Taxpayers can claim the credit for a qualified 2009 purchase on either their 2008 or 2009 tax return. For those who have filed a 2008 return, a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return can be filed in order to get a refund in 2009.

10. The credit for qualified 2009 purchases does not have to be repaid, as long as the home remains your main home for 36 months after the purchase date.

Qualified taxpayers who have been considering a main home purchase may find extra incentive from this tax credit to buy now so they can complete the purchase before the December 1 deadline.

 

 

For more information on this and other key tax provisions of the Recovery Act visit the official IRS Website at IRS.gov/Recovery.

Links:
First-Time Homebuyer Credit
YouTube Video - First-Time Homebuyer: English Spanish ASL
Audio File for Podcast - First-Time Homebuyer Credit 2009: English Spanish
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center
Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit (PDF)
Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF)

2009-2010 School Bus Route Schedule Harford County Maryland

2009-10 SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULES AND ROUTES
Since routes are based on estimated fall enrollments, school officials remind parents and students to expect minor adjustments in bus loads and schedules during the first week of school in order to alleviate any overcrowded buses.
Students attending Harford Technical High School, Daytime Alternative Education, Science/Math Academy at Aberdeen High School, and International Baccalaureate at Edgewood High School will be contacted by postcard with their bus information. Science/Math Academy at Aberdeen High School students living in the Aberdeen High attendance area will ride the Aberdeen High School bus that provides service to their neighborhood (Please see Aberdeen High School bus routes). International Baccalaureate at Edgewood High School students living in the Edgewood High attendance area will ride the Edgewood High School bus that provides service to their neighborhood (Please see Edgewood High School bus routes). John Archer School and any elementary pre-school programs will be contacted by their bus driver, as will all other students riding a special needs bus, both in county and out-of-county.
Bus routes are planned so that a maximum number of children are picked up and discharged at the nearest stop to their home. Generally, bus stops are located at least one-fourth mile apart. The bus drivers will inform the children of the designated stops during the first few days of school.
The a.m. time for each bus is the estimated time of the first stop the bus will make on its morning run. This time may vary several minutes during the first few days of school until each driver is able to establish a definitive schedule. Students should plan to be at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Students attending Magnet Programs (Harford Technical High School, Daytime Alternative Education, Science/Math Academy at Aberdeen High School, International Baccalaureate at Edgewood High School) should plan to be at the bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Children who plan to use bus transportation are encouraged to ride the bus beginning the first day of school to facilitate the establishment of the time schedule and the bus load.
The p.m. return time to home for each bus may be longer at the beginning of the school year to accommodate students adjusting to new school settings. Once the schedule has been established, there will be a normal drop off time for each student.
The pupil transportation rules will be distributed to each pupil on the first day of school and discussed in class. Parents are urged to review the rules with their children which can be found at the Harford County Public School Website as well as the School Calendar/Handbook.

Baltimore Maryland Trends in Housing Report, 2009

The Baltimore market showed signs of renewal in the 2nd quarter of 2009. Prices showed slight growth from the previous quarter, and homes spent less time on market than in the 1st quarter. However, the Baltimore market is still weaker than a year ago; Baltimore’s housing market may be in the very early phases of a recovery. Baltimore City showed the most improvement: prices rose 5.4% in the 2nd quarter of 2009 from the previous quarter. However, Baltimore City showed the steepest yearly declines; prices in the 2nd quarter were 20.0%
lower than a year ago. The city’s low average sales price of $160,891 contributes to volatility in percentage changes. In the Northern suburbs, prices rose 3.0% from the previous quarter but were down 8.4% from one year ago. The average sales price in the Northern suburbs for the 2nd quarter is $276,067.
The Southern suburbs posted the region’s only price decline in the 2nd quarter. Prices were down 2.0% from the 1st quarter of 2009; they were down 12.2% from one year ago. The average sales price in the Southern suburbs
in the 2nd quarter is $366,873. As a whole, Baltimore metro prices were up 1.6% from 1st quarter 2009 but down 11.3% from one year earlier. The ratio of inventory to sales declined 4.0 months to 7.9 months at June 2009, indicating that buyer interest is helping work through excess inventory. Annualized, unit
sales volume through the 1st half of 2009 is 88.9% of the 2008 total volume.

Information Provided by: MRIS Trends in Housing Report,
Sources: Associated Press, Boston.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, CNNMoney.com, Commerce Department, CoStar, Delta Associates, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Stephen Fuller and John McClain at GMU’s Center for Regional Analysis, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Federal Reserve, Freddie Mac, Home Builders of Maryland, Mortgage Bankers Association, MRIS, NAHB, NAR, New Geography, The New York Times, Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, RealtyTrac, Reuters, Shopping Center Directory, Treasury Department, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Business Journal, The Washington Post, WBAL-TV.

SELLING YOUR TOWNHOUSE in HARFORD COUNTY, Sales History in 2009

Townhomes or otherwise call Townhouses in Harford County have had a recent surge of strong sales. The reason is that they appeal mostly to the first time home buyer. With the recent $8,000 tax credit in place, this has become a significant difference in deciding whether its the right time to buy a home. Search for ALL Townhomes in Harford County from ALL Real Estate Brokers.

As of today, there are currently 388 Towhouses for sale in the Harford County Maryland area. The lowest priced townhome is $50,000, the highest listed at $686,000 with the average listing price of $239,039. The average days on the market is 113. Buyers looking to purchase a townhome will find it very easy when submitting your information through our VIP Buyer Program. If you are looking for a Real Estate Agent to show you one of these townhouses, we are one phone call away.

Within the past 60 days 87 Townhomes have SOLD in the Harford County Area. The lowest price was $49,900 with the highest price at $599,995. The average sales price for a townhouse was $212,550 with an average seller subsidy of $4,216.00. The average days on the market was 82. This information is crucial if you are looking to Sell your Townhome in Harford County Maryland. Regardless if you have your property in Bel Air, Forest Hill, Churchville or Edgewood, our team of agents are here to service you.

Some of the areas you can start looking for townhouses are Monmouth Meadows, Greenbrier Hills, Amyclae Estates, Rosefields, Irwins Choice, Greenway Farm, Box Hill South and others.

WELCOME MILITARY FAMILIES to ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, RELOCATING

Welcome Military Families to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland

Installation Info: Zip Code: 21005
Area Code: 410
DSN: 298
The Army's oldest active proving ground, the post was established in Maryland in 1917 after the onset of World War I to provide a military facility where ordnance materiel could be designed, tested and carried out in proximity to main U.S. industrial and shipping centers. Aberdeen Proving Ground's 72,500 acres consist of two main areas separated by the Bush River. It is a key posting as a center for testing, lab research and military training.
Many recreational opportunities are available, both indoor and outdoor, including organized sports.

The typical tour for military personnel at an installation is 3-4 years. This means a approximately one third of the active duty personnel will relocate and rotate annually to and from military installations. We do not want to miss the opportunity to help serve you when searching for your next home in and around Aberdeen, Maryland. However as you know BRAC is moving personnel to Maryland at this time and has to complete all moves by the year 2011.

Robert McArtor and the Maryland HOMES Team with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. is here to serve ALL your relocation needs. Visit our website NOW to start your search ALL available homes in the Maryland, Harford County, Cecil County area. or Call 1-877-421-SOLD

The Long and Foster Companies appoints Stevens President, News Release Maryland

THE LONG & FOSTER® COMPANIES
APPOINTS STEVENS PRESIDENT

Chantilly, VA (October 23, 2008 )-- P. Wesley Foster, Jr., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Long & Foster® Companies, today announced the appointment of David H. Stevens, 51, as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Long & Foster Companies, comprised of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the largest and most-respected privately-owned real estate company in America, Prosperity Mortgage Company, Long & Foster Insurance Agency, Inc., and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Stevens had been President of Long & Foster’s Affiliated Businesses--mortgage, title, and insurance--since joining the firm in July of 2006.

According to Foster, “The appointment of Dave Stevens to be President of The Long & Foster Companies is designed to ensure the continued viability of our well-managed and financially stable company during these difficult economic times. Dave has the financial background and strategic thinking necessary to lead Long & Foster forward into the new reality imposed upon our industry by the nationwide liquidity and credit crisis. He will be a strong leader who will guide the company towards solutions and work for the best interests of our customers, our agents, and our employees,” Foster added.

Long & Foster Appoints Stevens President

Prior to joining The Long & Foster Companies, Stevens was Executive Vice President and National Wholesale Manager responsible for all sales, operations, and finance at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of the single family business at Freddie Mac where he was responsible for all sales and marketing, affordable lending, product development, loan prospector, and communications for the firm. At Freddie Mac, he managed all activities related to sales, market share, customer management, and business strategy. Stevens began his career at World Savings Bank where, after 16 years of increasing responsibility, he was promoted to Group Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for its mortgage division.

Stevens was the founding executive sponsor of the Women’s Mortgage Industry Network, and he coordinated the first Latino joint venture initiative between Freddie Mac and Latino mortgage industry leaders. He is on the Board of Directors of RESPRO.

Stevens is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. He resides in Oakton, Virginia, with his wife, Mary, and four children.

Brenda Shipplett, President of The Long & Foster Companies since 2004, has chosen to return to regional management of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

About The Long & Foster® Companies
The Long & Foster® Companies is the largest privately-owned real estate firm in America with more than 230 residential real estate sales offices throughout Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, and North Carolina, and more than 14,000 sales associates, 2,000 employees, and annual real estate sales volume for 2007 of $35.4 billion on 95,871 transaction sides. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the real estate sales arm for the firm, as well as Prosperity Mortgage® Company, Long & Foster Insurance agency, Inc., and Long & Foster Settlement Services, are all part of The Long & Foster Companies. 2007 sales and sales equivalents for all the Long & Foster Companies totaled $61 billion worth of homes, mortgages, insurance, title insurance, and settlement services.

For all your real estate and Auction needs in Maryland, contact Robert B. McArtor with Advantage Real Estate Auction Sales, LLC.

NEW Financing Programs for Home Buyers in Maryland

American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) FUNDS AREA NOW AVAILABLE EVEN IN THIS SLOW MARKET! GET STARTED NOW!
The American Dream Downpayment Initiative is a first time home buyer assistance program that encourages home ownership for lower income and minority households in Maryland. If you are a first time home buyer in Baltimore, Harford County or anywhere in Maryland and you are struggling to come up with a downpayment, enough money for closing costs or money to make improvements to your house, the ADDI program maybe a solution.

What are the benefits?
$10,000 downpayment and closing assistance structured as a 5-year loan , forgivable 20 percent per year.

What are the restrictions?
Buyer must contribute at least $1,000 towards purchase of your home in Maryland and must use the property as their primary residence. The buyer must secure an HQS (Housing Quality Standard) Home Inspection on the property. The home must be free of any flaking, peeling, or chipping paint surfaces. Closing on the property must occur within 90 days of the contract date. Loan is forgivable over 5 years.

America Dream Downpayment Initiative 2008 Income Limits:
1 persons $43,0502
2 persons $49,2003
3 persons $55,3504
4 persons $61,5005
5 persons $66,4006
6 persons $71,3507
7 persons $76,2508
8 persons $81,200

CDA Loan Program (Community Development Administration)The CDA loan program has a large variety of loan products that offer first time home buyers below market mortgage interest rates and flexible home loans. The CDA current has six low-interest rate mortgage programs:
Interest Rate Points APR
6.375% 3-point Mortgage 6.771%
6.500% 2-point Mortgage 6.797%
6.625% 1-point Mortgage 6.824%
6.750% 0-point Mortgage 6.851%
7.250% 2% Closing Grant (0 points) 7.155%
7.500% 3% Closing Grant (0 point) 7.305%

The rates are frequently reviewed and subject to change. CLICK HERE and start your loan application now or simply call Robert B. McArtor today! 410-879-0622
equal housing opportunity.