Radio show features consumer scams and foreclosure prevention
This month’s show features the latest consumer scams and foreclosure prevention tips. Guests are Deborah Berry, Operations Manager Pinellas County Consumer Protection and Bill Sanchez, Vice President of the Homebuyers Club from Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation.
The program, sponsored by the Housing Finance Authority, airs the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. on WRXB 1590 AM. If you miss a show, listen at your leisure on-line at HFA Radio Shows. You can also watch on Pinellas County Connection TV — There’s No Place Like Home. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please call 813 784 7744.
A short sale is also something you may want to consider before you go the route of foreclosing on your property. Here are several articles I wrote on short sales and what you need to know.
Need Advice? Thinking of listing your home for sale in Tampa Bay? Contact your local Realtor. Rae Catanese
Second Home Purchases in Florida
In addition to being a favorite location for those moving from other states or from abroad, Florida is also a favorite destination for second home buyers. In fact, NAR Buyers Survey reveals the highest proportion of recently purchased vacation properties, as well as investment properties, were in the South, where Florida is the primary destination. Almost half of the vacation properties and 40 percent of the investment properties purchased in 2008 were in the South.
According to the 2007 HMDA, a total of 274,428 home purchase loans were made in Florida.
Search all homes in Tampa Bay, including Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the Beach Areas!
Second Home Purchases in Florida
In addition to being a favorite location for those moving from other states or from abroad, Florida is also a favorite destination for second home buyers. In fact, NAR Buyers Survey reveals the highest proportion of recently purchased vacation properties, as well as investment properties, were in the South, where Florida is the primary destination. Almost half of the vacation properties and 40 percent of the investment properties purchased in 2008 were in the South.
According to the 2007 HMDA, a total of 274,428 home purchase loans were made in Florida.
Search all homes in Tampa Bay, including Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the Beach Areas!
Home Owner Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010). 
Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit.
What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?
The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a home owner who has owned and resided in a home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.
How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. Purchases of homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for the tax credit.
Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above those limits. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and the first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.
If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $6,500 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits.
Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $235,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $225,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $6,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,250.Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $138,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $125,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $6,500 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,275.
Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances
See also: Other Important information about the tax credit for first time home buyers
The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010). The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.
Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit. [click to continue…]
If you are looking to use the first time home buyer tax credit, here is the information on changes and the extension.
I’ve also posted links to a spreadsheet that provides more details on changes to the tax credit. Please take the time to read over the Frequently Asked Questions document as well.
Please let me know if you are looking to purchase a home in the Tampa Bay Area and would like more information! realtyrae@yahoo.com
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:
- Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
- Expands the credit to grant a $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010.
Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.
Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
- First-time home buyers who purchase homes between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010.
- Current home owners purchasing a home between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.
To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
How is a Buyer’s Credit Amount Determined?
Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:
- The price of the home.
- The buyer’s income.
Price
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
Buyer Income
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit which is effective on the date the bill is signed by President Obama single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.
Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.
Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.
Tax Credit Changes (PDF: 455K)
Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ (PDF: 596K)
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