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First Time Homebuyer Loan program02:38PM / Thursday, August 06, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - A new MassHousing Program provides another reason for people to begin looking for their first home. At this time, Legacy Banks is the only Berkshire County lender to offer the program, which allows qualified first-time home buyers to borrow their federal tax credit (up to $8,000) for use as a down payment or for closing costs.
This Tax Credit Loan Program, announced by Governor Duval Patrick, is being offered to eligible first-time home buyers through MassHousing’s first-time homebuyer mortgage programs. The homebuyer tax credit, which is part of the federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), is available to qualified individuals and families and is claimed at the time of 2009 tax filing. Those who take advantage of the Tax Credit Loan Program may repay the loan once they receive their tax refund in 2010.
According to Steven Pierce, executive vice president of Legacy Banks, this is a wonderful opportunity for those looking for a home for the first time. “Closing costs and down payment funding often present challenges for young families and individuals who want to purchase their first home. This program goes a long way toward helping people realize the dream of home ownership, and we at Legacy Banks are pleased to be part of it. As an active MassHousing lender, our experienced mortgage professionals look forward to assisting borrowers with the mortgage and Tax Credit Loan Program application processes.”
The loan program is available only to homebuyers with MassHousing mortgages through a selected group of approved lenders, Legacy Banks included. To be eligible, loan participants must purchase their home prior to November 30, 2009 and must use the home as their primary residence for at least three years. The principal and interest payments of the tax credit loan are deferred until June 1, 2010 to allow first-time homebuyers to repay MassHousing with their federal tax credit. If the loan is not paid back by the June deadline, it is then amortized for 10 years at the rate of the original mortgage.
Legacy Banks will hold a “Lunch and Learn” about the program for realtors on August 12 from 12-1 p.m. at the Legacy Financial Center. Realtors interested in attending, may call 413-445-3437 to reserve a space.
MassHousing, the leading provider of affordable housing in Massachusetts, offers both low- and no-down payment home mortgage programs for income-eligible first-time homebuyers. Since 1970, MassHousing (previously the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency) has provided more than $9.4 billion in financing for Massachusetts residents.
Legacy Banks has been an approved MassHousing lender and homebuyer counseling provider since 1992. Those interested in learning more about first-time home buyer programs, may contact Legacy at 800-292-6634 or visit www.legacy-banks.com/first-time. |
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