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The short-term loan for the first-timer tax credit program…

May 19, 2009 By Doug Francis

We want our $8,000 first-timer tax credit at closing! And we aren’t gonna wait!

“Okay”says HUD Assistant Secretary Montgomery in the “Mortgagee Letter 2009-15” that is dated May 11th.

Of course you can’t take out the whole $8,000 at closing since there are fees and expenses that need to be paid, and the $8,000 hard limit can’t be exceeded. So watch your step first-timers and don’t lose your whole credit to outrageous fees.

Could this be another ticking time-bomb for potential fraud and consumer abuse? Setting up an unwitting newbie for an IRS tax penalty?  Tread carefully with your mortgage lender.

loan-sharkThe memo uses terms like “short-term credit advance loan” and “bridge loan” seem like family members of the “pay-day loan” and we all know how hit-or-miss that industry turned out. And the “Instant Refund” loans ran into a few problems with the California Attorney General.

Better yet, there aren’t any set interest rates or fees in the memorandum. So it is up to the market to figure out what “fees and charges” are not to exceed a nominal amount necessary really means. Even the biggest lenders haven’t digested this one yet and I plan on keeping tabs on the subject.

Okay America, you demanded your money right now and permission has been granted… just don’t let your nice credit get eaten up in fees or get you in trouble with the IRS.

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: $8000 tax credit, buyer, economic stimulus, HUD

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he "starred" in a tech commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing ~ and my marketing starts here. My elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

Thanks for reading... and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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