Federal Program Bringing Home Loans into Reach of First Time Home Buyers

Economic weakness threatens the chances of many Americans to become homeowners and so threatens the nation's ability to thrive as a nation. Keen to help, the federal government offers the First Time Home Buyer Stimulus Package. It targets first time buyers and those who have not owned a home in three or more years.

Purchases under this program are of pre-owned homes and homes in the new construction phase, stimulating demand in the housing market. Whether indirectly, by boosting buys of pre-owned homes, or directly, by boosting housing starts, this gives builders and their crews more work. As for homeowners, they receive help in three ways, with tax credits, assistance with down payments, and with decreased interest rates.

The initial purpose of the stimulus program was to stave off the economic slowdown of which existence became apparent during the financial crisis of 2008. The developing situation demanded reinforcement of these efforts, which came in the form of a more comprehensive plan from the federal government. In particular, the Obama administration believed that the reluctance to spend money came from the fear of losing home ownership. This, along with the collapse of real estate market, convinced to administration to act to stimulate home ownership.

For any purchase made in the year 2009, a home buyer may qualify for a 10 percent tax credit. This may for up to $8,000, with the basis being the gross purchase price. The home owner may claim this credit either the year of purchase or within two years of purchase. This tax credit provides money to the homeowner, which he may decide to save.

Next is a reduction in the down payment. Usually, these are at least ten percent of the home's price. The government plan is to pay off part of the down payment. Lower down payments make it easier to purchase the home. Furthermore, reducing the down payment reduces the burdens keeping you from placing money in an investment account or from improving the new home. Also, government help may reduce the interest rate on your home loan by reducing the basis points on the interest rate. Qualification for the tax credit requires that a single person's income not exceed $75, 000 and that with a partner income not exceed $150,000.

A third way to encourage home purchases is a tax rebate. In this case, the federal government places the rebate on the amount of interest assessed on the loan. This is not related to the tax credit. Under this stimulus program, homeowners may apply for both the credit and the rebate. Landlords, who buy property for income purposes, may qualify for the rebate. Because the landlord's maintenance expenses go to the upkeep of the rented property, they are eligible for income tax deductions. Hence landlords are eligible for the rebate.

Economic growth is impossible without continuous improvement of the national infrastructure. However, the collapse in the demand for housing hits precisely here. The Obama adminstration intends to rectify this with tax credits, down payment assistance, and interest rate reductions. Under the First Time Home Buyer program, it intends to place buyers in new homes and stimulate economic activity.

For tips and facts about how you can benefit from Obama's Stimulus Package - or to find out if you qualify, visit our no nonsense home buyer stimulus guide: First Time Home Buyer Stimulus.