Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension Up For Vote
In two short days, the current First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is up for renewal. This Friday, November 6th, a bill extending this popular tax credit goes to full vote in the House of Representatives for approval. Already approved by the Senate, this bill would extend the current $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers until April 1st, 2010.
The current bill is also set to extend a tax credit to non-first time homebuyers. The current language proposes a $6,500 tax credit for homeowners buying another home that have occupied their current homes for at least 5 of the 8 last years. There are a few other restrictions such as income caps and the language has a high possibility of changing before the bill is finalized and sent to President Obama for signature (he is expected to sign the bill).
The current first time homebuyer tax credit has been seen by experts as largely accounting for the improving market we’ve seen in many parts of the country this fall. While many in the real estate industry were hoping for a longer extension into 2011, the addition of the credit for non-first time homebuyers is an interesting addition. Experts feel that the threat of additional government spending and the current climate of revitalization in many locations caused legislators to extend the credit for 5 months, rather than a full year.
The addition of a $6,500 credit for current homeowners may additionally help the market next year. It will definately soften the blow of sellers taking a loss on selling a home if they know it can be made up + $6,500 on their next home.