Nov

15

Long Island Short Sales: Update, November 2009

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When it comes to Long Island short sales, having completed several this year, let me say that throughout the course of 2009, the process has improved…but has a long way to go. I came across some very interesting information about the process of how “banks” determine whether or not to move forward with a short sale negotiation.

I put the word “banks” in quotations because it’s not necessarily banks that are handling the short sales. During the course of the past several years, Loan Servicing companies have become increasingly popular.

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There are two basic elements to a mortgage loan. They are Processing and Servicing. Keeping in mind that any business must function with the intent on making a profit.

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In order to explain this slide simply, anything that says “negative” would mean that the loan service company would lose money on that aspect of a short sale. Without incentives to go through with a short sale, loan service companies have no choice but to lean in the direction of foreclosure. Hence, where it says “positive”, that’s where the companies will make money, rather than lose.

Now the Treasury Department has come up with a viable plan to actually encourage banks and loan service companies to consider short sales over foreclosure, many homeowners may be saved from foreclosure.

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So what does this mean to buyers?

It means that a short sale may very well be an excellent opportunity to purchase a home and help a struggling homeowner to avoid foreclosure.

For sellers, it’s simple, if you want to ever buy a home again or at least within the next 3 to 4 years, cooperating with your “bank”, may very well put you and your family in a position to buy again sooner than you think.

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If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment, please call me at 1-877-765-3123, ext. 51, immediately.

If you’re a buyer, it is imperative that you find a qualified real estate agent to help you through the process of buying a short sale. They can be very good opportunities, but know which ones are good and which ones are not is the key to successfully purchasing a short sale. You can visit www.islandforeclosures.org and contact me there by signing up to receive email updates on properties for sale throughout Long Island or call me at the number above.

(c) Copyright, 2009
By Thomas McGiveron, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Nov

7

Homebuyer Tax Credit Update

Filed Under Buyers, Sellers, Sellers & Buyers | Leave a Comment


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Homebuyer Tax Credit Update!

TAX CREDIT OVERVIEW

Who Gets What?

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

What are the Income Caps?

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

What is the Maximum Purchase Price?

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

What is a Tax Credit?

A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual’s primary residence.

How Much are First-Time Homebuyers (FTHB) Eligible to Receive?

An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is Eligible fort FTHB Tax Credit?

Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible.

This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.

As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How Much are Current Home Owners Eligible to Receive?

The tax credit program includes a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Can Homebuyers Claim the Tax Credit in Advance of Purchasing a Property?

No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a Taxpayer Claim a Credit if the Property is Purchased from a Seller with Seller Financing and the Seller Retains Title to the Property?

Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Some examples of this would include a land contract or a contract for deed.

According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would include:

Are There Other Restrictions to Taking the FTHB Credit?

Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe a homebuyer’s situation, a credit would not be due:

Can Homebuyers Purchase a Home from a Step-Relative and Still be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes. As long as the person they buy the home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

If a Parent (Who Will Not Live In The Property) Cosigns for a Mortgage, Will Their Child Still be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes, provided that the child meets the other requirements for the tax credit.
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If you’re a seller and you don’t quite understand how this can help you, call me at 1-877-765-3123, ext. 51.

By Thomas McGiveron, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson