Things to KNOW about the 1st Time Home Buyer's Credit

As we approach the end of a terrific first time buying season in Fishers Indiana, I wanted to share some information from the IRS on the first time buyers credit.

As you know, unless it is renewed, it will cease to exist on transactions closing after 11/30/09 which means you would have to be under contract by 10/30/09 at the latest. There are a few short weeks, so hopefully this information will be useful if you or someone you know is almost ready to pull the trigger.

I work with many clients looking for a home for sale in Fishers that will fit their needs. These are some of the questions I have heard and the answers.

Q. Can a taxpayer claim the first-time homebuyer credit if the purchase is pursuant to a seller financing arrangement (for example, a contract for deed, installment land sale contract, or long-term land contract), and the seller retains legal title to secure the taxpayer's payment obligations?

A. If the taxpayer obtains the "benefits and burdens" of ownership of a residence in a seller financing arrangement, then the taxpayer can claim the credit even though the seller retains legal title. Factors that indicate that a taxpayer has the benefits and burdens of ownership include: 1. the right of possession, 2. the right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price, 3. the right to construct improvements, 4. the obligation to pay property taxes, 5. the risk of loss, 6. the responsibility to insure the property and 7. the duty to maintain the property.

Q. A taxpayer owned her principal residence. Several years ago, she decided to relocate to a rented apartment, but did not sell the former residence. Instead, she rented it out to tenants. Now the taxpayer plans to buy another house and make it her new principal residence. Does she qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit?

A. A taxpayer who owned rental property within the past three years is still eligible for the credit. The taxpayer cannot have owned and used a home as his or her principal residence within the last three years.

Q. Taxpayer A is a single first-time home buyer. Taxpayer B (parent) cosigns for A and does not qualify. Both names are on the mortgage. Can Taxpayer A claim the credit and, if so, how much?

A. Yes. Taxpayer B is not a first-time homebuyer and cannot claim any portion of the credit, but A may claim the entire credit ($7,500 for purchase in 2008; $8,000 for purchase in 2009), if the home was purchased as Taxpayer A's primary residence.

There are various other first time home buyers tax credit questions so please read the full report. I offer first time home buying classes every month at our Fishers office, you can register at our Fishers Real Estate website. I include a home inspector, a lender and then myself to help people understand the process of buying a home. Hope to meet you soon!

Search homes for sale in Fishers by Neighborhood

Other Northside Blogs (Carmel, Noblesville, and Geist)

Cindy "in Indy" Marchant - Fishers Real Estate Agent
Keller Williams Realty Indy Metro NE
Fishers IN Real Estate Website
317-290-7775