American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

This recently signed legislation is loaded with programs designed to give a major boost to the housing industry and the economy. Some of the highlights of the Act, which will benefit homebuyers and homeowners are as follows:

Homebuyer Tax Credit - provides for an $8,000 tax credit available to first-time buyers buyers who have not owned a residence within the prior three-year period. The tax credit has been extended to purchases made by April 30, 2010, and expanded to include a $6,500 credit to buyers who have owned and resided in a principal residence for 5 years consecutively.

Loan Limits – Last year’s loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans were reinstated, giving more buyers access to these loans.

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants – Increased tax credit for the purchase of new windows, furnaces and insulation through 2010.

Homeowners Affordability and Stability Plan – Assistance to as many as 7 to 9 million homeowners who are making a good-faith effort to stay current on their mortgage payments, while attempting to prevent the destructive impact of foreclosures on families and communities.