About Salt Lake County, UT

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010 Fot Utah Buyers!
Plus... A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Salt Lake City Home Owners!



It's official. President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009.

In addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000 through June 30, 2010, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.

So Who Gets What?
The program that has existed for FTHBs remains intact for salt lake city home purchasers with the one exception that more people are now eligible based on an increase in the amount of income someone may now earn.

Additionally, the program now gives those who already own a Salt Lake City residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Deadlines
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Higher Income Caps in Effect
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the tax credit.

What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual's primary residence.

What is the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs)?
An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is eligible for the FTHB tax credit?
Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible. This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.

As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How do I claim the credit?
For those taking advantage of the tax credit in 2009, you may choose to either apply for the credit with your 2009 tax return or you may apply for the credit sooner by filing an amended 2008 tax return with Form 5405 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf).

Can you claim the tax credit in advance of purchasing a property?
No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a taxpayer claim a credit if the property is purchased from a seller with seller financing and the seller retains title to the property?
Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Examples of this would include a land contract, contract for deed, etc. According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would 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.

Are there other restrictions to taking the credit?
Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe your situation, a credit would not be due.

• You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.
• You do not use the home as your principal residence.
• You sell your home before the end of the year.
• You are a nonresident alien.
• You are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• Your home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• You owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2009, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at any time from July 2, 2006, through July 1, 2009.

Can you buy a home from a step-relative and be eligible for the credit?
Yes. Provided the person you are buying a home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

Can parent(s) who will not live in the property cosign for a mortgage for their child and the child that is a qualifying FTHB still be eligible for the credit?
Yes.

Can a separated spouse who has not owned a home for four years qualify for the FTHB tax credit if the spouse has owned a property anytime in the last three years?
No. However, the spouse may be eligible for the repeat buyer credit. The best path to take in any situation regarding income taxes is to speak with a professional tax preparer or CPA.

If you have any questions that fall outside the situations here, give me a call and if you do not have an accountant to speak with, I can refer you to one.

Funny Friday, 'Where in the World.... in Utah, can you guess???' Debbie Aldrich 801-870-0606

Fun Fridays

Where in Utah, can you guess?

Kodachrome Basin State Park | Utah State Parks

Read all about this wonder of nature, once like Yellowstone park, follow the lik above!

Give me your best guess and later today check back and I will give you the answer. You will want to take a trip there, it's a great place to visit!!!

If you are relocating to Salt Lake City is one of the many great places to visit in this great state!!! Give me a call today DebbieAldrich 801-870-0606 and let me help you on your way toa great life in Salt Lake City.

Fun Fridays

Where in Utah, can you guess?

Okay, I know that's a funny picture but it is real and yes my son was young then, we couldn't resist.

Still don't know, here is another clue.

Give me your best guess and later today check back and I will give you the answer. You will want to take a trip there, it's a great place to visit!!!

Weekly Market Report For Salt Lake County Reported on November 3rd. Market report for residential single family homes only. Report shows New listings, under contract, expireds, solds, average sold price, active days on market and absorption rate. Some of the absorption rates are high. Interesting to see what happens with the new home buyer tax extension

Utah County Home Buyer Top Three Mistakes

Well you have finally decided that it is time to stop renting and that you need to purchase a new home. Be aware that is important to stay calm and think your way through the process; don't get so excited that you overlook a few very important steps.

Failure to get pre-qualified before making an offer on a Utah County home:

· The very first step you need to take when considering the purchase a new home is that of interviewing and hiring a Utah County Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer. Understanding how much you are qualified to purchase up front can save you a lot of time and frustration later on. The pre-qualification letter is very important to the seller when it comes time to make offer on their home. Taking the time to get pre-qualified gives you time to iron out any issues before you and your lender get serious about that dream home of yours. It may also save you a lot of time and, perhaps help you to avoid losing out on that dream home.

Financing another Vehicle

· Once you start the pre-approval process when purchasing a new home, many home buyers do not understand that the process is based largely on the debt-to-income ratio, the lower the ratio the better the credit risk to the lender. Most lender guidelines follow the rule-of-thumb, that the applicant's debt-to-income ratio, not exceed 36 percent. Remember that it is recommended that you not finance another vehicle once you start the pre-approval process, wait until after you move into your home to avoid any possible complications.

Neglecting to Hire a Utah County Realtor to Represent You

· Utah County Real Estate transactions have become more and more complicated. With all the new laws, procedures, training requirements, and the increasing competition from other buyers' agents, today's real estate agent has to have a new level of professionalism. Realtors have to become very knowledgeable with the local market, to help create more value for their clients. They are able to recommend the best home inspectors, and of course the best homes for your given requirements. Hiring a Realtor will help to make the home buying process a much better and hopefully a stress free experience for the home buyer.

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