Q: I'm confused about this new $8,000 first time homebuyer's deal.

I owned a home five years ago but don't own one now. Can I still qualify? Where do I sign up to get the money?

A: You are considered a first time home buyer if you haven't owned a home in the past three years, so you should qualify. You don't get the $8,000 in cash. What you get is a tax credit. When you file your taxes for this year you get to deduct up to $8,000 off the top! However, if you owe less than $8,000 in taxes, the government will send you a check for the difference. So if you owe only $5,000 in income taxes the government will send you a check for $3,000!

There is an income limit of $75,000 gross income for a single person and $150,000 for a couple, but you can still get a partial credit if your income is up to $95,000 for a single person or $170,000 for a couple.

This is not a loan and doesn't have to be paid back like some programs in the past. That means that you are basically getting a gift of up to $8,000 for buying a home. You must, however, close before December 1, 2009, to take advantage of this program. If you are building a home you may still qualify but you have to occupy the home before the December 1st deadline.

This program, combined with incredibly low interest rates, gives a great boost to first time home buyers. Prices have pretty much stabilized in our region but they are still affordable and offer those who have not owned a home in the past three years a really great opportunity for home ownership.

For more details go to the IRS web site and type in: first time home buyer to credit, or try www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. This is really too good an opportunity to pass up, in my opinion.