Know that there is a difference between price and value. Price is the amount for which you are listing the property. Value is perceived, and this perception is influenced by many factors - location, features, condition, etc. By attending to details that have a positive impact on the value, seller’s can significantly increase their chance of attracting qualified buyers that may pay more for value.

Condition affects value, consider a seller’s home inspection to identify and repair any problems before marketing your property. Take care of the obvious! The spot on the ceiling from the old roof leak could potentially cause a buyer to initially offer thousands of dollars less.

Cosmetics are important. Potential buyers are seeing many properties at the same time – make certain that yours is by far the shiniest apple in the barrel. Fresh paint, clean or new carpet or flooring and landscaping add more value than it costs. This will not put you in a higher price category, but it will attract buyers and hold their interest longer.
onsider hiring a professional to stage and help you declutter your home. Perceived size impacts value, even more so than actual square footage. The space feels larger in a home that has little or no furniture or certainly a home with reduced clutter.
Price, Price, and Price – forget what you thought your home was worth, if you must sell, you must price your property correctly from the outset. If you have overcapitalized improvements, you very well may not recapture the value in your sales price in today’s marketplace. Beat the comparable sales prices – if prices are 10% lower than last year, price your property at 15% less to attract the qualified buyers.

Can you afford to play the banker? The tight credit market may work to your advantage.
Work With The Offer – no matter how many times you may have heard it and not believed it – the first offer is usually the best. Try to work with any offer that comes in, if you have hired a top agent, they will have the skill set required to bring you the most money from the most qualified buyer.

If you’re selling your home soon, ensure that prospective buyers will want to come inside by sprucing up the exterior before they drive by.

• Paint or stain your front door.
• Polish door hardware. Consider replacing the hardware if it’s really worn or flaking. Don’t forget the doorbell and lighting fixtures.
• Replace worn welcome mats. A new welcome mat can boost the front entrance welcome factor.
• Install outdoor lighting. Consider solar garden lights to line a walkway, or a bright new porch light. This will make your home look more inviting in the evening when most buyers have the time to drive by.
• Kill mold and mildew. Use a pressure washer to clean the siding, roof, deck and driveway.
• Mow the lawn. Trim around flowerbeds and other stationary objects.
• WEED! Plant blooming flowers and add new bark or gravel for a fresh look.
• Trim shrubs and tree branches. Open up your home’s exterior by trimming overgrown shrubs. Trim around columns and windows.
• Add a hanging flower basket. It is so simple and effective, install a hook on your front porch and add a hanging plant.
• Clean gutters. If the downspout is badly damaged, consider replacing it with a decorative rain chain, which allows water to run down ornamental funnels into the ground drain.
• Clean windows. Make your windows sparkle from across the street and don’t forget to wash the screens.

In 2008, Congress enacted a $7500 tax credit designed to be an incentive for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. The credit was designed as a mechanism to decrease the over-supply of homes for sale.

For 2009, Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

Tax Credits — The Basics

1. What’s this new homebuyer tax incentive for 2009?

The 2008 $7500, repayable credit is increased to $8000 and the repayment feature is eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. It is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

2. Who is eligible?

Only first-time homebuyers are eligible. A person is considered a first-time buyer if he/she has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day of the 2009 purchase.

3. How does a tax credit work?

Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income taxes by a dollar. Credits are claimed on an individual’s income tax return. Thus, a qualified purchaser would figure out all the income items and exemptions and make all the calculations required to figure out his/her total tax due. Then, once the total tax owed has been computed, tax credits are applied to reduce the total tax bill. So, if before taking any credits on a tax return a person has total tax liability of $9500, an $8000 credit would wipe out all but $1500 of the tax due. ($9,500 - $8000 = $1500)

4. So what happens if the purchaser is eligible for an $8000 credit but their entire income tax liability for the year is only $6000?

This tax credit is what’s called “refundable” credit. Thus, if the eligible purchaser’s total tax liability was $6000, the IRS would send the purchaser a check for $2000. The refundable amount is the difference between $8000 credit amount and the amount of tax liability. ($8000 - $6000 = $2000) Most taxpayers determine their tax liability by referring to tables that the IRS prepares each year.

5. How does withholding affect my tax credit and my refund?

A few examples are provided at the end of this document. There are several steps in this calculation, but most income tax software programs are equipped to make that determination.
6. Is there an income restriction?

Yes. The income restriction is based on the tax filing status the purchaser claims when filing his/her income tax return. Individuals filing Form 1040 as Single (or Head of Household) are eligible for the credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Married couples who file a Joint return may have income of no more than $150,000.

7. How is my “income” determined?

For most individuals, income is defined and calculated in the same manner as their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their 1040 income tax return. AGI includes items like wages, salaries, interest and dividends, pension and retirement earnings, rental income and a host of other elements. AGI is the final number that appears on the bottom line of the front page of an IRS Form 1040.

8. What if I worked abroad for part of the year?

Some individuals have earned income and/or receive housing allowances while working outside the US. Their income will be adjusted to reflect those items to measure Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Their eligibility for the credit will be based on their MAGI.
9. Do individuals with incomes higher than the $75,000 or $150,000 limits lose all the benefit of the credit?

Not always. The credit phases-out between $75,000 - $95,000 for singles and $150,000 - $170,000 for married filing joint. The closer a buyer comes to the maximum phase-out amount, the smaller the credit will be. The law provides a formula to gradually withdraw the credit. Thus, the credit will disappear after an individual’s income reaches $95,000 (single return) or $170,000 (joint return).

For example, if a married couple had income of $165,000, their credit would be reduced by 75% as shown:

Couple’s income $165,000
Income limit 150,000
Excess income $15,000

The excess income amount ($15,000 in this example) is used to form a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the excess income amount ($15,000). The denominator is $20,000 (specified by the statute).

In this example, the disallowed portion of the credit is 75% of $8000, or $6000
($15,000/$20,000 = 75% x $8000 = $6000)

Stated another way, only 25% of the credit amount would be allowed.
In this example, the allowable credit would be $2000 (25% x $8000 = $2000)
10. What’s the definition of “principal residence?”
Generally, a principal residence is the home where an individual spends most of his/her time (generally defined as more than 50%). It is also defined as “owner-occupied” housing. The term includes single-family detached housing, condos or co-ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling. Even some houseboats or manufactured homes count as principal residences.

11. Are there restrictions on the location of the property?

Yes. The home must be located in the United States. Property located outside the US is not eligible for the credit.

12. Are there restrictions related to the financing for the mortgage on the property?

In 2009, most financing arrangements are acceptable and will not affect eligibility for the credit. Congress eliminated the financing restriction that applied in 2008. (In 2008, purchasers were ineligible for the $7500 credit if the financing was obtained by means of mortgage revenue bonds.) Now, mortgage-revenue bond financing will not disqualify an otherwise-eligible purchaser. (Mortgage revenue bonds are tax-exempt bonds issued by a state housing agency. Proceeds from the bonds must be used for below market loans to qualified buyers.)

13. Do I have to repay the 2009 tax credit?

NO. There is no repayment for 2009 tax credits.

14. Do 2008 purchasers still have to repay their tax credit?

YES. The $7500 credit in 2008 was more like an interest-free loan. All eligible purchasers who claimed the 2008 credit will still be required to repay it over 15 years, starting with their 2010 tax return.

Some Practical Questions

15. How do I apply for the credit?

There is no pre-purchase authorization, application or similar approval process. All eligible purchasers simply claim the credit on their IRS Form 1040 tax return. The credit will be reflected on a new Form 5405 that will be attached to the 1040. Form 5405 can be found at www.irs.gov.

16. So I can’t use the credit amount as part of my downpayment?

No. Congress tried hard to devise a mechanism that would make the funds available for closing costs, but found that pre-funding would require cumbersome processes that would, in effect, bring the IRS into the purchase and settlement phase of the transaction.

17. So there’s no way to get any cash flow benefits before I file my tax return?

Yes, there is. Any first-time homebuyers who believe they are eligible for all or part of the credit can modify their income tax withholding (through their employers) or adjust their quarterly estimated tax payments. Individuals subject to income tax withholding would get an IRS Form W-4 from their employer, follow the instructions on the schedules provided and give the completed Form W-4 back to the employer. In many cases their withholding would decrease and their take-home pay would increase. Those who make estimated tax payments would make similar adjustments.
Some “Real World” Examples

18. What if I purchase later this year but can’t get to settlement before December 1?

The credit is available for purchases before December 1, 2009. A home is considered as “purchased” when all events have occurred that transfer the title from the seller to the new purchaser. Thus, closings must occur before December 1, 2009 for purchases to be eligible for the credit.

19. I haven’t even filed my 2008 tax return yet. If I buy in 2009, do I have to wait until next year to get the benefit of the credit?

You’ll have a helpful choice that might speed up the process. Eligible homebuyers who make their purchase between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 can treat the purchase as if it had occurred on December 31, 2008. Thus, they can claim the credit on their 2008 tax return that is due on April 15, 2009. They actually have three filing options.

• If they purchase between January 1, 2009 and April 15, 2009, they can claim the $8000 credit on the 2008 return due on April 15.
• They can extend their 2008 income-tax filing until as late as October 15, 2009. (The IRS grants automatic extensions, but the taxpayer must file for the extension. See www.irs.gov for instructions on how to obtain an extension.)
• If they have filed their 2008 return before they purchase the home, they may file an amended 2008 tax return on Form 1040X. (Form 1040X is available at www.irs.gov)

Of course, 2009 purchasers will always have the option of claiming the credit for the 2009 purchase on their 2009 return. Their 2009 tax return is due on April 15, 2010.

20. I purchased my home in early 2009 before the stimulus bill was enacted. I claimed a $7500 tax credit on my 2008 return as prior law had permitted. Am I restricted to just a $7500 credit?

No, you would qualify for the $8000 credit. Eligible purchasers who have already claimed the $7500 credit on a 2008 return for a 2009 purchase may file an amended return (IRS Form 1040X) for the 2008 tax year. This amended return will enable them to obtain the additional $500 credit amount.
21. If I claim my 2009 $8000 credit on my 2008 tax return, will I have to repay the credit just as the 2008 credits are repaid?

No. Congress anticipated this confusion and has made specific provision so that there would be no repayment of 2009 credits that are claimed on 2008 returns.

22. I made an eligible purchase of a principal residence in May 2008 and claimed the $7500 credit on my 2008 tax return. My brother, who has never owned a home, wishes to purchase a partial interest in the home this spring and move in. Will he qualify for the $8000 credit, as well?

No. Any purchase of a principal residence (or interest in a principal residence) from a related party such as a sibling, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle is ineligible for the tax credit. Since you and your brother are related in this way, he cannot qualify for the credit on any portion of the home that he purchases from you, even if he is a first-time homebuyer.

23. I know there is no repayment requirement for the $8000 credit. Will I ever have to repay any of the credit back to the government?

One situation does require a recapture payment back to the government. If you claim the credit but then sell the property within 3 years of the date of purchase, you are required to pay back the full amount of any credit, including any refund you received from it. A few exceptions apply. (See below, #24). Note that this same 3-year recapture rule applies, as well, to the $7500 credit available for 2008. This provision is designed as an anti-flipping rule.

24. What if I die or get divorced or my property is ruined in a natural disaster within the 3 years?

The repayment rules are eased for many circumstances. If the homeowner who used the credit dies within the first three years of ownership, there is no recapture. Special rules make adjustments for people who sell homes as part of a divorce settlement, as well. Similarly, adjustments are made in the case of a home that is part of an involuntary conversion (property is destroyed in a natural disaster or subject to condemnation by eminent domain by an authorized agency) within the first three years.

25. I have a home under construction. Am I eligible for the credit?

Yes, so long as you actually occupy the home before December 1, 2009.

WITHHOLDING EXAMPLES:
Note: The impact of estimated tax payments would be the same.

Situation 1: Sally plans her withholding so that her withholding is as close as possible to what she anticipates as her income tax liability for the year. When she fills out her 1040, her liability is $6000. She has had $6000 withheld from her paycheck. She also qualifies for the $8000 homebuyer credit.

Result: Sally’s withholding satisfies her tax liability and reduces it to zero. She will receive a refund of the full $8000.

Situation 2: Nick and Nora file a joint return. Nick is self-employed and makes estimated payments; Nora has taxes withheld from her salary. When they compute their taxes, their combined withholding and estimated tax payments are $11,000. Their income tax liability is $9800. They also qualified as first-time homebuyers and are eligible for the $8000 refundable tax credit.

Result: Ordinarily, their combined estimated tax payments and withholding would make them eligible for a refund of $1200 ($11,000 - $9800 = $1200). Because they are eligible for the refundable tax credit as well, they will receive a refund of $9200 ($1200 income tax refund + $8000 refundable tax credit = $9200)

Situation 3: Charlie and Mary both have income taxes withheld from their salaries and file a joint return. When they file their income tax return, their combined withholding is $5000. However, their total tax liability is $7200, generating an additional income tax liability of $2200 ($7200 - $5000). They also qualify for the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Result: Charlie and Mary have been under-withheld by $2200. Ordinarily, they would be required to pay the additional $2200 they owe (plus any applicable interest and penalties). Because they are eligible for the refundable homebuyer tax credit, the credit will cover the $2200 additional liability. In addition, they will receive an income tax refund of $5800 ($8000 - $2200 = $5800). If they owed penalties and/or interest, that amount would reduce the refund.

William Raveis Mortgage is a full-service mortgage banker. We offer most types of mortgage products including, but not limited to, conforming 15 & 30 year fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, jumbo, super jumbo, interest only, blended loans, second mortgages, Home Equity Lines of Credit, sub prime, new construction, land, FHA, VA, CHFA loans. Get yourself pre-approved before you begin to look for a new home. It will provide you more bargaining power when you present your offer to demonstrate that you are pre-approved.

William Raveis Mortgage is licensed to originate loans in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island (VIEW). For more details on these or other loan programs, please contact a Raveis Mortgage Loan Professional today.

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A quote from Richard Harris, Director of Harbor Watch/River Watch states

“It is obvious that the Longshore Golf Course meets the Audubon [International] standards and that considerable efforts have been expanded to make this course compatible with the surrounding natural systems.”

Another environmental plus for Westport.

Since all homes differ in square footage, age and condition, you may want to consider a more detailed energy efficiency audit before undertaking any home improvements. This way you can consider the most important steps to perform in order to save you the most money.

• Install a programmable thermostat /$65.
• Insulate your water heater /$25.
• Add insulation in your attic /$125.
• Seal and insulate your HVAC ducts /$100.
• Install efficient showerheads /$25.
• Seal large air leaks in your home /$100.

Approximate Savings Annually = $440.

Home energy efficiency audits are professional inspections aimed at identifying where a home is wasting energy and how to fix the problems. The Reilly Group, a well respected Fairfield County, CT  home inspection company, conducts energy audits with an infrared camera - it is non-invasive, scans your home like an x-ray, accurately pinpoints the source of leaks and helps to determine which leaks require immediate action. A comprehensive energy efficiency audit report should include an estimated cost for fixing each item, a return on investment analysis for each item as well as the estimated number of years until the cost for each item is recouped.

Lower your energy costs, decrease the size of your carbon footprint and remember that in order to make a change, you have to be the change!