UPDATE 1-Senate votes to extend US home tax credit deadline

WASHINGTON June 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate voted on Wednesday to give homebuyers another three months to settle on their contracts and take advantage of a popular tax credit that sparked a rush of activity in the housing market.

The Senate, with a vote of 60-37, accepted an amendment by Democratic Leader Harry Reid that extends the closing deadline to Sept. 30 for buyers who met the April 30 deadline to have a signed contract.

The current deadline requires buyers to close by June 30 to get the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Existing homeowners buying a new primary residence are eligible for a $6,500 credit.

Reid offered the measure as an amendment to a bill that would extend some popular business tax breaks and extend unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers.

The proposal would not have a significant impact on future home sales as the extension would be only for home buyers who already had a contract in hand by April 30.

The popularity of the tax credit has caused some anxiety because settlement offices are inundated with buyers trying to close on transactions by the end of this month to get the tax break. (Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by John O’Callaghan)

What to Do If the Oil Spill Affects Your Market
Anyone trying to rent or sell a property on the Gulf Coast should keep these issues in mind.

• Don’t panic. The next few months could be difficult, but this too shall pass.
• Be forthright. Address the issues on your Web site and on the Web site for your client’s property. Say something like, “We know you’re concerned about the oil spill; we are too.” Add links to reliable news stories and blogs.
• Take pictures. Date-stamped photos of clean water may reassure would-be buyers and renters.
• Focus on non-beach attractions. Golf courses, shopping, and theaters are important and unaffected assets.
• Be prepared to negotiate. Bad news brings out bargain hunters.
• Document losses. Help sellers by providing a broker’s price opinion to serve as a baseline should property values decline, and pursue compensation from the government or BP.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, June Fletcher (06/03/20