$8000 is Back

If you remember, a couple of weeks ago HUD announced that the first time homebuyer tax credit of $8000 would now be allowed as an upfront loan that could be used as a down payment. Because of concerns over no down payment purchases in general and down payment programs in the past, that announcement was recalled almost as fast as it was put out there.

The new and improved version is now out. The $8000 can not be used as a down payment. However, you can get taht $8000 up front, rather than waiting and using the tax credit on your 2009 taxes, provided you use it for closing costs.

The details are in a HUD letter on their web site. I'm a little skeptical that this will be a huge boost to the market. Most sellers were already paying a substantial portion of the buyer's closing costs. But I do appreciate that the government continues to look for ways to backstop a tough real estate market.