Good news - the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers has been extended to June 30, 2010. This action will encourage a robust housing market in the first quarter of 2010 and affect home prices.
The legislation also includes a $6,500 tax credit for people who currently own a home. Qualifications are owning and occupying a home for at least five of the past eight years. Buyers must have a signed contract in hand by April 30 and close by June 30. And, the income limit has been increased too. The ceiling for single buyer income is now $125,000 and for married couples $225,000. Increasing the income limit will stimulate more purchases of pricier properties.
The first tax credit helped more than 400,000 homebuyers.