First Time Home Buyer Assistance

A person who has not owned a primary residence prior to three years from the date of purchasing a home; a homemaker who has been displaced from her home; a single parent who owned a home jointly with a former spouse; a homeowner whose home has not been affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with the housing regulations, all qualify as first time home buyers. A homeowner who has to spend more than the worth of the property to ensure that it complies with the state, the local, or the model building code regulations, also qualifies as a first time home buyer. The following first time home buyer assistance programs are available to the aspiring homeowner.

First Time Home Buyer Assistance Programs

First Time Home Buyer Tax Benefits: According to the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, first time homeowners are eligible to receive tax credits to the tune of 10 percent of the value of their home. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 has set the maximum tax credit, for homes purchased between April 8, 2008 and July 1, 2009, at $7500.The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has set the maximum tax credit at $8000 for couples who purchase a home before December 1st, 2009. The same act has fixed the maximum tax credit for couples, who file separately, and individuals at $4000.

It's important to note that the tax credit is only available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than or equal to $75,000. In case of couples who file jointly, the MAGI limit has been set at $150,000. Homeowners can claim the first time home buyer tax credit using the IRS Form 5405. Tax credits that are applicable for homes purchased in 2009 are more beneficial to the consumer as compared to the tax credits received for homes purchased in the year 2008. This is because the former is for the homeowners to keep, provided they reside in their primary residence for a period of at least 3 years. Hence, the tax credits qualify as first time home buyer assistance grants. The latter is at best an interest free loan that has to be repaid over a period of 15 years.

Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is allowing first time homeowners, who are eligible to receive tax credits, to use the money towards the required down payment on a FHA Insured Loan. According to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, first time homeowners can only access the tax credit after filing their tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, the FHA is allowing State Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profit agencies to provide short term loans backed by the anticipated tax credit thus, helping borrowers down pay more than the requisite amount. Generally, a 3.5 percent down payment has to be funded by the homeowner. However, by using the tax credits, homeowners may be able to make more than the requisite down payment. Doing so will entitle them to a mortgage loan at a more favorable rate of interest.

The main purpose of first time home buyer assistance is to propel the recovery of the housing market that will go a long way in ensuring the eventual recovery of the economy. It's a well known fact that government spending gives a boost to the economy. By providing tax credits, the government is tilting towards an expansionary fiscal policy with the aim of countering the slump in economic activity. For additional details, one may refer to the article on First Time Home Buyer Information.