The $15,000 home buyer tax credit that the Senate had proposed in the massive stimulus bill has been modified by Congress. The Senate had added a proposal that would have given all home buyers a $15,000 (or up to 10% of the purchase price) tax credit.
According to the New York Times, the tax credit will likely only be for first time home buyers that meet certain income requirements, and be reduced from $15,000 to $8,000. The proposed tax credit is still in negotiations, and all of the details have not yet been worked out.
The Stimulus Bill was also cut in other areas, and now is down to an estimated $789 billion dollars. The House and the Senate are hoping to have the bill on President Obama’s desk by Monday (Presidents Day)
The Senates proposed $15,000 tax credit would have made a much bigger effect on the housing market because it would have been available to ALL home buyers.
If the tax credit is passed as it stands, the South Lake Tahoe real estate market probably will not benifit as much as other areas. The South Lake Tahoe real estate market is in a resort area and is different than the majority of other markets. Most buyers looking at South Lake Tahoe homes for sale are not first time home buyers, but are vacation home buyers, and investors.
In order for South Lake Tahoe houses to see an upward trend in prices, we need to see a decline in foreclosures and short sales. South Lake Tahoe foreclosures have been selling for an average of $216 per square foot, 21% less than non-foreclosures which have been selling for $274 per square foot. The investors that are buying houses in South Lake Tahoe are looking for deals, so they do not mind buying a foreclosure that needs a bit of work.
Like I had said earlier, the $15,000 tax credit for all home buyers would have benefited the South Lake Tahoe real estate market more because it would have added an extra incentive to second home owners and investors. As soon as the details of the first time home buyer tax credit are worked out, I will be sure to post them on my South Lake Tahoe Real Estate blog!
This South Tahoe real estate blog was posted by South Lake Tahoe real estate agent Brent Johnson. Contact Brent and Jill Johnson for more information regarding homes for sale in South Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe real estate, or South Lake Tahoe foreclosures!
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