BayShore® Agency 600 N. Green Street Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Office: 609/713-8906 609/296-2170
Kim and Shirley HANADEL
O: (800) 959-5975 x 224 H: (800) 959-5976 x 202 (609) 713-8906



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Buyers / FHA Homebuyer Tax Credit
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USING THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT AS DOWN PAYMENT ON A FHA-INSURED MORTGAGE
On May 29, 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a program that allows borrowers to use the first-time home buyer tax credit for a down payment or closing costs on a FHA-insured mortgage. Since the announcement NAR has received many inquiries from our members regarding how this impacts first-time homebuyers in their state.
HOW TO USE THE CREDIT
Currently, 11 state housing finance agencies (HFAs) offer a product buyers can use that will effectively monetize the tax credit for down payment purposes. Generally, these programs offer tax credit advances with second liens on the home being purchased. The second lien may be "soft" (silent) or require monthly payments but may not result in cash back to the borrower and may not exceed the total amount needed for the down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses. The 11 states offering these programs are Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Other states are developing programs so members are encouraged to regularly follow up with their respective HFA.
STATES WITHOUT A HFA PROGRAM
For all other states where such HFA programs do not exist the tax credit may not be used to fund the 3.5 percent downpayment required for FHA loans. As always, the 3.5 percent down payment may be a gift from a family member, employer or nonprofit, charitable organization. FHA-approved nonprofit organizations and FHA-approved lenders may monetize the tax credit for down payments in excess of 3.5 percent, closing costs and interest rate buy downs. Mortgage industry leaders have indicated that this type of product may not be immediately available to consumers.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/government_affairs
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