Senate votes to extend US home tax credit deadline

WASHINGTON June 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate voted on Wednesday to give homebuyers another three months to settle on their contracts and take advantage of a popular tax credit that sparked a rush of activity in the housing market.
The Senate, with a vote of 60-37, accepted an amendment by Democratic Leader Harry Reid that extends the closing deadline to Sept. 30 for buyers who met the April 30 deadline to have a signed contract.
The current deadline requires buyers to close by June 30 to get the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Existing homeowners buying a new primary residence are eligible for a $6,500 credit.
Reid offered the measure as an amendment to a bill that would extend some popular business tax breaks and extend unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers.
The proposal would not have a significant impact on future home sales as the extension would be only for home buyers who already had a contract in hand by April 30.
The popularity of the tax credit has caused some anxiety because settlement offices are inundated with buyers trying to close on transactions by the end of this month to get the tax break. (Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by John O'Callaghan)

For All the Procrastinators: Only 2 Days Left for Federal Tax Credits!

I have always been one to put off things to the very last minute. So, if you're a procrastinator like me, and you've been thinking about purchasing a new home to take advantage of the $8,000 or $6,500 Federal Tax Credits....

Now is the time!!!! You still have the opportunity to find a home and get under contract by April 30th (this Friday). The great news is that you don't have to close on the home until June 30th, 2010. So if you find a new home that's nearly completed, you've got the time to wait until construction is complete. In addition, many builders are offering special incentives now, like McArthur Homes' 110% Guarantee of the Federal Tax Credit. 

If you'd like additional information on the credit and who is eligible, email me at kristi@mcarthurhomes.com or go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

To view some beautiful McArthur Homes that will be ready for the Federal Tax Credits, click here!