Sixth Annual Home Buyers Expo July 18 - FREE

Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, you shouldn't miss the Sixth Annual Home Buyers Expo, produced by the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and The Florida Times-Union. The Expo offers more than 25 seminars, taught by industry experts, that cover every aspect of the home buying and selling process. Come learn all about the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers! Specialty seminars on foreclosures and short-sales, reverse mortgages, staging your home to sell, and much more are also available. The event is Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the University Center, University of North Florida campus. Look for a full schedule of seminars and more information in the Home Buyers Expo Special Section in The Florida Times-Union on July 11.  

$8,000 Tax Credit For First-Time Homebuyers*

Thinking about buying your first home - or haven't owned a home in three years? Right now, you may have 8,000 reasons to help make your dream a reality. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit of $8,000 maximum per qualified buyer. Here's what you need to know:

• The temporary credit is only available for homes purchased between Jan. 1, 2009 - Nov. 30, 2009.
• The credit is equal to 10 percent of the cost of the home, up to a maximum $8,000 credit.
• If you qualify for the credit, you can apply for downpayment assistance through the State of Florida or the Federal Housing Administration before you close on the purchase of your home, then repay the borrowed amount when you get your tax credit.
• You have only until Nov. 30, 2009 to find your home, secure financing, and close to receive the $8,000 tax credit/downpayment assistance.
• If you claim the tax credit on your federal tax return and the credit is more than the taxes you owe, you get a refund check for the difference.
• For purposes of the tax credit, a first-time buyer means an individual who has not owned a home in the past three years (includes anything to be used as a principal single-family residence, including condos and townhouses).
• There are income guidelines: Individuals with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 (or $150,000 if filing jointly) are eligible for the full credit. The credit is phased down if you earn more and isn't available if you make more than $95,000 (or $170,000 if filing jointly).
• The tax credit doesn't have to be repaid if you live in your home for at least three years.

* For informational purposes only. For specific tax or legal advice, consult your attorney or a qualified tax professional.

FREE Market Stats and Foreclosure Reports Available

Help yourself to our FREE monthly marketing information and foreclosure/short sale reports, available in the Market Stats section of this site (Newsroom | Market Stats tab). Learn what's really happening in northeast Florida's real estate market from the pros-in-the-know, the Realtor members of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.

Realtors - At Your Service

Buying, selling and even renting or leasing property (residential or commercial) can be a very complicated proposition. You need a professional on your side; someone to answer your questions and guide you through the process while adhering to a professional code of ethics. For your protection and peace of mind, work with a Realtor.

Not everyone who holds a real estate license is a Realtor. A real estate agent (or licensee) becomes a Realtor only when he/she establishes membership in a local Realtor association such as the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) and in turn, a state Realtor association such as the Florida Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. The trademarked term of "Realtor" and the well known block R logo are authorized for use exclusively by Realtor association members.