One month left to close for first time homebuyers

Remember that closings must occur before July 1, 2010 to receive up to $8,000 in tax credit, so the clock is ticking.

I was at a wedding this weekend and a friend (who used a different attorney for the closing) was asking me about the credit because he has not received a commitment from the bank to date and he was getting very worried that he would miss the deadline. The fact is that he has time. Usually closings happen within a week of receiving a commitment and usually the commitment is the last step in being clear to close. Therefore, he should only start panicking during the week of June 21, 2010 if he has not yet received his commitment.

A great source for information about the first time homebuyer tax credit can be found by clicking here.

There you will learn about the necessary tax filing to receive the credit, inclusive of the need to file a paper return and attach Form 5405 and new homebuyers must attach a copy of a properly executed settlement statement used to complete such purchase. If the home is newly constructed, where a settlement statement is not available, the purchaser must attach a copy of the certificate of occupancy showing the owner’s name, property address and date of the certificate. Purchasers of mobile homes who are unable to get a settlement statement must attach a copy of the executed retail sales contract showing all parties' names and signatures, property address, purchase price and date of purchase.

Good luck and go get that credit.