There are many tax credits available to Texans for First Time Homebuyers. By definition, a first time homebuyer under federal standards is anyone who has not purchased a home before, or who has not been an owner of record on a home for the past three years. Under the federal stimulus package, a homebuyer may be eligible for up to a $8000 tax credit if they close and fund on a purchase as a first time homebuyer by November 30, 2009. This is not a loan- nor does it have to be repaid. There is a formula that must be applied and income does come into play for some higher income individuals which could lower the tax credit. There are no restrictions on what the homebuyer can do with the money, whatsoever. Use the funds to pay down other debt, put into savings, take a vacation, to buy furniture for your new home, or even to use as a down payment.

The State of Texas has just announced a special program where a portion of the $8000 tax credit can be used for a down payment on a purchase by advancing a portion of the tax credit at time of closing. There are some fees payable to the State of Texas and you have to go through an approved lender in order to access this program. Legacy Financial, Inc. is an approved lender with the State of Texas. The “loan” must be repaid within 90 days of closing or it becomes a second lien on the home and begins to accrue interest at 10%.

Further, for some approved lenders, there are other tax credits provided by the State of Texas for certain occupations. Under this program, the State of Texas provides up to a $2000 credit each year for the life of the loan on a first time homebuyer within certain occupations. Specific occupations include: Firemen, Police Officers, Teachers, Librarians, Public Security personnel, Jail Employees, Emergency Medical personnel are all eligible for this program. There is a detailed formula that includes income qualifying to determine the amount of the actual tax credit. Legacy Financial, Inc. is an approved lender on this program, as well.

So, the timing of buying a home could not be better. Low interest rates, low home prices and an amazing amount of money available in the form of tax credits make now the time to be buying a home. Please feel free to contact us for more information and a no cost analysis to see exactly what level of tax credit you might be eligible for. Remember- the key date on the federal tax credit is November 30, 2009 where you must be closed and funded on the purchase of a home to obtain the tax credit of up to $8000.

http://www.texhomemortgages.com
http://www.legacyfinancial.com
Chad Bates is President/CEO of Texas Home Mortgage Company, Legacy Financial, Inc.

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