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The Department of the Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development recently launched a new Web site for consumers seeking information about the Making Home Affordable loan modification and refinancing program. The site offers interactive self-assessment tools to help borrowers determine if they are eligible to participate and calculate the monthly mortgage payment reductions under the program. Go to: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/ to check it out!

The Federal Reserve announced today that it would purchase an additional $750 billion in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities and up to $300 billion in longer term Treasury securities. This is great news for American home buyers and homeowners because mortgage interest rates will continue to remain at historic lows (and potentially drop even more). This should help improve many home buyer’s ability to purchase a home. Potentially homeowners facing challenges will be able to refinance into better terms. We are already experiencing a great improvement in housing affordability due to historically low interest rates, and the Fed’s move will push affordability conditions to the best levels in 40 years. In addition, continued low rates will lessen foreclosure pressure and help stabilize home prices sooner, as more American buy homes and draw down inventory.

(Note: See Part 1 in previous post) Some Practical Questions 15. How do I apply for the credit? There is no pre-purchase authorization, application or similar approval process. All eligible purchasers simply claim the credit on their IRS Form 1040 tax return. The credit will be reflected on a new Form 5405 that will be attached to the 1040. Form 5405 can be found at http://www.irs.gov/ . 16. So I can’t use the credit amount as part of my downpayment? No. Congress tried hard to devise a mechanism that would make the funds available for closing costs, but found that pre-funding would require cumbersome processes that would, in effect, bring the IRS into the purchase and settlement phase of the transaction. 17. So there’s no way to get any cash flow benefits before I file my tax return? Yes, there is. Any first-time homebuyers who believe they are eligible for all or part of the credit can modify their income tax withholding (through their employers) or adjust their quarterly estimated ta...

In 2008, Congress enacted a $7500 tax credit designed to be an incentive for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. The credit was designed as a mechanism to decrease the over-supply of homes for sale. For 2009, Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Tax Credits -- The Basics 1. What’s this new homebuyer tax incentive for 2009? The 2008 $7500, repayable credit is increased to $8000 and the repayment feature is eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. It is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. 2. Who is eligible? Only first-time homebuye...