Florida Realtors® president applauds homebuyer tax credit extension

Cynthia Shelton, Florida Realtors® 2009 president, shares the great news about the newly extended and expanded homebuyers assistance programs. In her own words: “Now truly is a great time to buy Florida real estate. Let’s act and continue the momentum of the housing recovery.”

 

 

Homebuyer Assistance Programs
 
On Nov. 6, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law an extension and expansion of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. Among other provisions, the extension adds money for certain move-up buyers; creates one deadline for signing a contract and a later deadline for closing; changes income requirements; and limits a purchased home’s cost to $800,000. 2009 Florida Realtors® President Cynthia Shelton notes that extending the buyer tax credit and expanding it to reach more homebuyers is the right thing to do, “as it’s critical to maintaining positive momentum in the housing market and in the overall economy.”

As details are clarified and are available, tax credit information will be updated on the Homebuyer Center, which offers Florida Realtors® the tools they need to help potential homebuyers and sellers benefit from these homebuyer assistance programs.

• What you should know about the $8K tax credit (PDF)
• Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program flyer (PDF)
  
• What you should know about the FHA downpayment plan (PDF)
• 8,000 reasons to buy your first home now (PDF)   
  
• 2009 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit IRS Form 5405 (PDF)
• Homebuyer Resources (Word doc)    
  
• How to Conduct a Successful Home Buyers Expo (Word doc)

First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit Multimedia Showcase
Take advantage of these free marketing materials. Get your customers’ attention by sharing these informative videos. If you’re getting the word out over the airwaves, send these radio commercials to your local station.

"I'm 26 and I now own a home"
Meet this new homeowner and the dedicated Realtor who guided her through the homebuying process. The benefits of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit coupled with a low-downpayment FHA loan opened the doors to homeownership for this young professional.

Governor praises "Welcome Home Week"
Gov. Charlie Crist applauds Florida Realtors for their efforts in helping first-time Florida homebuyers find out more about the federal $8,000 tax credit, Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program and other resources.

Did you know? Audio files aren’t just for radio stations anymore
Sure they’re radio commercials. But these audio files can also be attached to emails, within PowerPoint slides, used as audio on your website and used as motivators during sales and membership meetings. If you don’t have a budget for a radio advertising campaign, there are still ways of putting the audio files to good use.

REO & Short Sales

• Tips & tools for successful short sale transactions (PDF)
  
• Realtor® REO resource page (Word Doc)

Foreclosure Prevention
Communities and families across Florida are struggling to cope with the aftershocks of the current economy. Many people have trouble paying their mortgages and fear losing their homes, but they don’t have to face foreclosure alone. There are options available, and qualified experts who can help.

This audio clip on foreclosure prevention is available for radio commercials or other kinds of promotions.

'Face of Foreclosure' – A project of Florida Realtors®

Has a customer or someone you love experienced foreclosure in Florida? We want to hear their story. Please ask them to take our survey at http://floridafaceofforeclosure.com