Residential Real Estate in SW Washington State

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The rumor continues — 3.8% real estate tax

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Way back in September of 2010, I wrote a blog post about an email message that was circulating regarding an 3.8% real estate tax that was included as part of President Obama’s healthcare plan. At that time, the messages were aimed at overturning the Healthcare plan itself. Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the plan, it seems that the goal is to advise the general public that real estate agents won’t be voting for President Obama.

Just another political message designed as a scare tactic.

Because this message is so pervasive, I decided to address this subject again.  I’ve received a similarly worded message no less than eight times in the past three days. At the bottom of this post I’ve attached the message thread I received yesterday from a very savvy client.

Sigh … this is just another not true email circulation that’s gaining ground again because of the upcoming election.

The facts? — There is not a 3.8% real estate tax for ALL real estate transactions starting in 2013. But there IS a 3.8% investment tax on profits for people who meet a high capital gains threshold.

In a nutshell, the 3.8% tax (called the Medicare tax — it has nothing to do with real estate), will be imposed on investment income only for individuals with a net income above $200,000 or couples with a joint net income of more than $250,000. Further, it’s then imposed only for transactions with a taxable gain above $250,000 per individual or $500,000 per couple. And then there are yet further conditions that control the taxable amount.
 
Realistically, there are VERY few people that will be impacted by this amount because capital gains on real estate sales don’t take effect until after aprofit from sale of $500,000 is reached (for couples) or $250,000 (for single filers) on a their net real estate investment income.
 
For example, if a high income couple making $260,000 TAXABLE INCOME on their tax return should sell a property with a net capital gain of $600,000, then they would pay a 3.8% tax on the lesser of:
 
  • The amount of taxable income generated by the sale = $100,000. 3.8% of $100,000 is $3,800

or

  • The amount by which their taxable income exceeds the $250,000 taxable income level= $10,000. 3.8% of $10,000 is $380
 
It’s important to realize that the tax isn’t on real estate — it’s on investment income. And, frankly, although we all hope that our home is a fantastic investment and that we’re going to make oodles of money on it, if that does come true and we’re also a high income wage earner, then perhaps it’s only right that we share a small portion of our wealth in the form of taxes.
 
Refer anyone that sends this message to you back to Snopes.com at http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/realestate.asp
 
So … back to the subject of the message: “You should read this regardless of political leaning so that you are aware of it.” … Yep … they should read THIS message regardless of political leaning.
—– Original Message —–
Sent: 7/16/2012 2:27:00 PM
Subject: FW: Home Sales Tax-effective Jan. 1, 2013 You should read this regardless of political leaning so that you are aware of it.

This came from a friend in CA;  is this a true story?   I trust you and believe you will know.

Marilyn

 

____________________________________________

I’ve talked to realtor friends and this is true!  I’m not trying to bad mouth anyone, but it is something that will affect every single one of us who owns property.

 

Subject: Home Sales Tax-effective Jan. 1, 2013

Very important!!!!

———————————————————— When does your home become part of your health care? After 2012!
Your vote counts big time in 2012, make sure you and all your friends and family know about this !
HOME SALES TAX
I thought you might find this interesting, — maybe even SICKENING!
The National Association of Realtors is all over this and working to get it repealed, — before it takes effect. But, I am very pleased we aren’t the only ones who know about this ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners. How many realtors do you think will vote Democratic in 2012?
Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That’s $3,800 on a $100,000 home, etc. When did this happen? It’s in the health care bill, — and it goes into effect in 2013. Why 2013? Could it be so that it doesn’t come to light until after the 2012 elections? So, this is ‘change you can believe in’?
Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% sales tax.
If you sell a $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax. This bill is set to screw the retiring generation, — who often downsize their homes. Does this make your November, 2012 vote more important?
Oh, you weren’t aware that this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what; you aren’t alone! There are more than a few members of Congress that weren’t aware of it either.
You can check this out for yourself at:
http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
I hope you forward this to every single person in your address book.
VOTERS NEED TO KNOW.

Subject Home Sales Tax-effective Jan. 1, 2013

 

 

 

Get Paid $6,500 to Buy a Home!

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Repeat or Move-Up Home Buyer — Get Paid $6,500 to Buy a Home!!

Repeat or Move-Up Home Buyer Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements:
  • Buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years and purchase a replacement primary home.
  • The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.  Applies to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
  • The tax credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010.  In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies for the tax credit provided the sale is completed (closed) by June 30, 2010.
  • Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
Top 5 Reasons it is a Great Time for Repeat and/or Move-Up Buyers To Purchase a Home:
  1. You are buying a home today that doesn’t have inflated equity
  2. You don’t have to sell your current home to qualify for the Tax Credit (although you would need to qualify for both house payments, if applicable)
  3. You have sellers willing to pay your closing costs and possibly buy-down already great interest rates
  4. You are in the first true “Buyers” Market in nearly 8 years and have the largest selection of homes in 15 years
  5. The current downturn in house pricing as well as low interest rates could allow you to buy homes in neighborhoods that were out of reach two years ago
With rates at an all time low, inventory at an all time high, and a $6,500 tax credit…it’s a GREAT time to buy another home!  Call or email me today to take the first step!
Thanks to Michelle Coolidge of Cobalt Mortgage for this information!

Will Short Sales FINALLY Become Reasonable?

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j0078820As a busy agent in the south King County area and down into the Tacoma/Puyallup Pierce County areas, I both list properties for Sellers and assist Buyers in finding their “dream home,” whether it be a first time purchase or a repeat purchase.

While definitely not unique to these geographic areas, price points and demographics of buyers and homeowners for these areas seem to especially target short sales and bank owned properties. Or maybe it’s just the clients with whom I’ve worked over the last few months. Sellers need to sell–usually as quickly as possible–and Buyers just want to move in.

In any event, short sales have been a problem. It seems as though it’s nearly impossible to get bank approval in anything less than 120 days … and then IF we get approval, the banks want us to close the transaction in no more than 30 days, another feat that’s becoming more and more difficult.

Back in May, 2009, President Obama indicated that he was pushing forward legislation that would drastically change the method and bank requirements by which short sales would be approved. This was aimed at shortening the time the banks would have to approve such transactions, along with helping a distressed seller by eliminating the “pay back the difference to the lender” clause that has been a real sticking point.

FINALLY, on Monday Reuters reported that the Treasury Department has now set guidelines to simplify short sales. I can’t tell you how excited “I” will be when this finally happens. And when the Banks step up and get their own internal procedures in place to accommodate these new guidelines.

I’m maintaining an “I’ll believe it when I see it” attitude. It’ll be cause for rejoicing!!

AR Gay Sig

8 Requirements for the New Homebuyer Tax Credit, Effective NOW!

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dont twiddle thumbsOkay all you first time homebuyers, you’ve been given a second chance! The Homebuyer Tax Credit passed and was signed into effect on Friday, November 6th! What GREAT news!

And it gets even better! Not only do first time homebuyers benefit from the tax credit … to the tune of $8,000! … any homebuyer could potentially benefit, up to $6,500!

Here are some of the highlights. Of course you’ll want to verify this information with your own accountant; as with most bills of this sort it’s many pages long and there are requirements that must be precisely met.

  1. A first time homebuyer is one that has not owned a home for at least three years.
  2. To qualify, a repeat homebuyer, must have owned their current home for at least five consecutive years out of the last eight years. So … imagine that you owned a home for at least five years, but sold it and have now been renting for the last two years. You qualify.
  3. If you’re a single person, you cannot earn more than $125,000; if you’re married, you can earn up to $250,000.
  4. You must be in a contract to purchase your new home on or before April 30th … but you have until June 30th to close the transaction.
  5. There’s no lag between the old deadline (November 30th) and the beginning of the new period … it’s as if the November 30th deadline never existed. The new deadline is April 30th (see #4).
  6. The maximum purchase price for your new home is $800,000.
  7. Your new house does not have to cost more than your last house. It’s okay to downsize!
  8. Oh yes! And as a measure to prevent fraud, you’ll have to attach proof of purchase to your tax return in order to qualify. I haven’t read the entire Bill, but I would anticipate that a copy of your final HUD (closing) statement will probably suffice. But do ask your tax accountant. They’ll know.

SO, Congratulations. Now, don’t twiddle your thumbs and let this run out AGAIN! Call me and let’s get shopping!!

AR Gay Sig

Not Buying? You’ll Still Benefit From the Home Buyer Tax Credit!

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pay with credit cardSince the beginning of 2009, first time homebuyers have benefited from an $8,000 gift directly from Uncle Sam. Qualifying for the gift was easy and thousands of people benefited.

As I write this, plans are in place to extend and modify the tax credit into next Spring (thank heavens), which will continue to help economic recovery for more folks than just those stepping up to purchase a home.

I’ve been amazed while hearing our various elected officials and economists speak shortsightedly, in my opinion, about why the tax credit should not be extended, nor should have been in place to begin with. I absolutely agree that the tax credit has a huge price tag. However, let’s think very briefly about what that tax credit is actually buying.

Just help buying a house? Hardly!

Think back to your last move, whether it was a house, an apartment, back to mom’s, wherever. What was the first thing you did? I can tell you what I did … picked up my wallet and headed straight to the store. I needed STUFF — boxes, moving supplies, shelf liner, paint, curtains, towels, furniture — STUFF!

That’s where the money goes. Not just in a pocket or frankly, not just back in a savings account. Is $8,000 too much? Did I buy $8,000 worth of stuff? Oh yes. And much more. Had I been given the $8,000 as a gift from my last move, my house credit card might not have been maxed out!

Homebuyer’s Tax Credit Has NOT Yet Passed — Not Quite!

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As I write this at 4:45 PDT, our local news station, along with several lenders and title companies are reporting that the Homebuyer’s Tax Credit has passed and will be extended to April 2010.

While that’s GREAT news, it’s not quite right yet, from what I can see.

Looks like the Senate has agreed to pass a resolution that would extend the $8,000 tax credit to First Time Homebuyers, a $6,500 tax credit for repeat homebuyers, both with qualifying issues.

However, a vote hasn’t actually taken place that passes the resolution as a stand-alone bill. At the moment, it’s hung up on the premise that it’ll be tagged onto legislation to extend unemployment benefits, although it appears that it’ll pass the Senate even as a stand-alone bill.

Read more at my favorite site: Reuters.

I’m holding off the celebration until it’s signed around! And I’ll be the first to let you know — that way we can ALL celebrate!AR Gay Sig

Senate Activity on Extending the $8k Tax Credit

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j0382678Like almost everyone I know that works in the housing industry, I’ve been chasing myself around for the last few weeks trying to get all of the First Time Homebuyers in my client list qualified and under contract so that they were eligible for the $8,000 tax credit … due to expire on November 30th. It’s been a wild ride, full of both elation and disappointment!

And, of course, absolutely full of the question “Will it be extended?”

I’ve been diligently trying to follow along with activities in the legislature while listening to other opinions about why it will and why it won’t and who thinks it’s a great idea and who thinks it’ll continue to bankrupt us all.

Reuters is one of my favorite places to find quality news feeds–in this case current activity on extending the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers.

Yesterday, Reuters reported that Bill Nelson (Dem.) of the Senate Finance Committee indicated that the Senate would act this week on the tax credit and that it would likely be extended for a “limited” period.

Then the stock market reacted negatively later in the day to a report that it would not be.

This morning, Reuters posted another story complete with Q&A about another proposal being floated through the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat. In their scenario, the credit would be extended to the end of 2010, but would be phased out in $2,000 decreases beginning in April, then again in July and in October.

Now, at the moment, I kinda like this proposal. And I like the idea that it carries into the Spring, where house purchases and sales tend to begin rallying all by themselves.

bd06916_My only issue with their proposal is that it’s being attached to the passage of another bill for unemployment insurance benefits. Sigh. Seems like it’d be so much easier to keep track of things if each expenditure had to stand on its own.

I’m sure tomorrow there’ll be yet more ups and downs about whether the $8,000 tax credit will be extended, or buried. Passage will be cause for celebration, in my opinion. Of course, then the bill will need to go on to the House, where, no doubt, it’ll be changed yet again. Back and forth.

Just my 2¢ worth!

 

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