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Housing Stimulus Laws for 2009

AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT

The major housing stimulus provisions of the Recovery Act are, among other things, the first-time homebuyer tax credit and the increase in FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac loan limits. Although the primary thrust of the Recovery Act is stimulating employment not housing, the creation and preservation of jobs under the Recovery Act may help jumpstart the housing market. Job loss has caused homeowners to lose their homes in foreclosure and their neighborhoods to become distressed. Job loss and the mere fear of job loss have also hindered potential homebuyers from acquiring their piece of the American dream. Stimulating and stabilizing the employment sector can stimulate housing.

What is the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers under the new law?

A first-time homebuyer as defined may receive a refundable tax credit up to $8,000 for purchasing a principal residence in the U.S. from January 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009, inclusive. No repayment is required if the buyer owns and occupies the property for 36 months (see Question. This new law enhances the preexisting $7,500 tax credit enacted in 2008 which still applies for purchases from April 9, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

For purposes of the $8,000 tax credit, a “first-time homebuyer” is defined as any individual (or spouse) with no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of the purchase of the principal residence to which the tax credit applies.

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