I got a call yesterday from a national guardsman currently deployed in Afghanistan. He was calling about one of my listings, and asked for more information.
First of all, I thanked him for his service. Second of all we talked about the purchase of his first home. I excitedly began to tell him about the $8000 first time homeowners tax credit.
Oops, there's only one problem. He won't be on leave until it's too late to qualify for the credit. Now here's a fellow laying his life on the line for his country and he will miss out on the tax credit because he is physically unable to get to Georgia to find a home since he is serving his country in a faraway land.
So it got me to thinking ... why not impose a permanent one-time tax credit on the purchase of the home for ANY veteran? Or at the very least, there could be a huge credit for those brave men and women returning from active duty?
Or maybe even half-price on a government owned HUD home? Or a free HUD home that needs repairs, no strings attached?
We have returning soldiers and we have lots of empty houses. Shouldn't risking your life be worth something more than a guaranteed loan? And wouldn't that be a great recruiting incentive?
And if we could dry up some of the flood of house inventory at the same time, wouldn't that be good for everyone?
So what do you think? Am I on to something here?
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It is my opinion that the tax credit should be extended until we get a handle in all these foreclosures that are in the near future. . that should be a no brainier. .
I agree. I'd also like the government to get moving and finalize the HAP guidelines. We have thousands of servicemen and women waiting for the program approval so they can finalize the sale of their homes. Meanwhile they have already had to PCS to their new duty station and are paying their mortgage here. It is a finanical nightmare.
Richard, that is a good idea! While I was reading this I was thinking that is a lot to give up, perhaps he should do what Broker Bryants clients do and buy is sight unseen?
That is pretty cool I have to say.
Richard,
This idea just begs for bipartisan government intervention. Wonderful suggestion. I will be re-blogging this because the message needs widespread distribution.
Rich
Richard,
I agree with wou this is an idea that is well worth the investment and should be passed. The idea of a free or half priced HUD home is really something that congress should be looking into, nope, passing!!
Fernando...
I think that it will because it's the only thing driving sales right now. THX.
Cindy...
We ask so much from them and then we are derelict in our obligations to them. We need to do much better. Thanks for the great comment.
Andrea...
I suggested that, but he want to see his purchase before he commits! Thanks, as always my friend.
Richard, I think you've hit on a great idea. Returning Vets should have their own home buyers tax credit.
You know this bleeding heart Italian is all for it!! Great idea.
The tax credits should be extended to our military that cant make a purchase while over seas. The HUD idea is also a good one I just don't see that happening.
Richard, the government should extend the $8,000 tax credit for all Veterans. That is the least they could do for our troops.
Richard, I defintely think you're onto something...I hate to sound gloomy but I don't believe you'll get it. We just had two of the first respondents of 9-11, both ill who have been cut off from health care benefits. We don't do nearly enough for the people that put their lives on the line...
If you start a petition, count me in.
Rich...
Thanks for the vote of confidence! Now, let's get the word out!
Don...
I think that our brave men and women deserve it! Thanks for the support.
Gabe...
Why should they get anything less? Thanks for jumping in!
Richard - This is a very worthy idea especially for the $8K. I would even suggest you run it by your congressional rep. The brave who have bullets wizzing by their ear should definately have this benefit extended to them when they return home.
I agree without a doubt that the credit should be extended to our military that can't be here because they are stationed abroad. The men and women that serve our country deserve great things for their bravery in the protection of our nation.
Richard what a wonderful point you made! I've just written my representative about this. I'm sorry to say I hadn't thought about it until you brought it up. OF course our servicemen/woman need to be able to take FULL advantage of this! There should be NO expiration date on this offer!
Susan....
Well, that goes without saying. LOL and thanks.
Laura...
Well, do you think that anyone in congress would have the nerve to vote against it? Thanks, my friend.
Michael...
It is the least that they should do! Thanks.
Richard: This makes perfect sense...so pardon my pessism when I say...I don't think it will ever happen. Cindy Jones has already pointed out the HAP program for other service men and women is just sitting on Capitol Hill. The non-verbal communication on that HAP program is that it is simply not important enough to push through now. I don't get it.
Richard - send this in to Chambliss, Isakson and your congressional rep. With your permission, I will send this to Rep. Broun.
To all...
Of course you can forward this to your representatives! I tried to add a link to the Congressional contact page but it wasn't working this morning. I'll try again!
Sending onto Texas Congressman along with reblogging and posting on my facebook.
I just love smart guys that know who real men and women are.
The United States of America's Military!!
Thank you Richard!!
We need to contact or congressmen or NAR's Lobbyists to bring this to someone that can make it happen. I think it is a great idea.
I agree with the comment above. We need to do all we can to help those who keep this country free...
Helping you live your American dream...
What a great post Richard. I missed it yesterday and caught it on the re-Blog from Mike. We do owe anyone who is fighting for us everything. Rather give it to them than to some of the other folk that seem to be lining pockets lately! Will re-Blog again for more exposure my friend
Richard,
I also found this post on the reblog from Mike! I can't believe things like this are not already in place for people in this situation! Thank You for making us all aware! They deserve our full support!
Judy
Richard - I think this is an excellent idea! I would love to see our veterans honored in some small way for their service and sacrifice.
Richard,
I rarely reblog but this one is going out shortly. Even if it was to give vets a super great deal on VA foreclosures or HUD homes. Lots of variations for a great idea.
Richard -- YES! You are on to something!!
Richard: This is an excellent post. Nothing is too good for our service men and women. They certainly deserve the opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit. Thank you for writing this.
Richard, this should definately be added to the bill.
That would be the least our gov't should do for our soldiers.
So what do you suggest, we do?
Richard--I love this idea...makes sense that they shouldn't miss out on the $8000 just because they are out of the country serving in our military!
Hi Richard, I think this is a terrific idea. They pay a huge price, I don't see why they should not be able to take advantage of this credit when they return.
Missy, Teri, Mary and all...
Just keep this alive and send it to the powers that be in Washington D.C. THX