Mountain’s Edge to hold tax credit fair with experts today

Mountain's Edge will hold an Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit Fair today from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to educate homebuyers about tax credits available to first-time and move-up buyers. The free event will feature experts including Beth V. Walker and Cheryl A. Constantino of The Wealth Consulting Group to help answer questions about The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.

With tax credits an often difficult process to navigate, the Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit Fair will provide homebuyers with the opportunity to learn about options. Constantino and Walker will be available at the master plan's Home Search Café, located on Buffalo Drive and Blue Diamond Road, to help answer questions about the benefits of the tax credits when buying a new home.

As a comprehensive planner, Constantino, employs a holistic approach where she models the big financial picture for clients to help them set a course to achieve their goals, whether it be to accumulate or preserve wealth, fund education, plan for retirement, manage risk, transfer wealth or develop a business succession strategy.

Walker, a certified college planning specialist, is the published author of "An Employee's Guide to Stock Options" (McGraw-Hill, 2003). Walker offers insights in the areas of employee stock options and personal financial planning. With experience consulting for companies like AT&T, Coca-Cola, and Chevron, Walker helps guide her clients with planning, implementing and managing their own financial circumstances.

Walker and Constantino are educated on the latest rules related to mortgages and the tax credit, and are lending their expertise to discuss the advantages of the programs as well as some of its financial and tax implications. They also will inform buyers of opportunity to apply for the tax credit before the April deadline.

Some of the frequently asked questions the experts are prepared to answer include: Who is eligible to claim the $8,000 tax credit? Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit? How is the amount of the tax credit determined? Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?

"Homebuyers who have visited Mountains Edge and the Home Search Café in recent months have asked many questions about the benefits of the tax credits," said Deonna Stocker, manager of the Home Search Café at Mountain's Edge. "We are thrilled to have the expertise of Beth Walker and Cheryl Constantino at Homebuyer Tax Credit Fair today to help interested homebuyers take advantage of these credits to learn more about their options, when it comes to purchasing a home."

The event is free and home builder industry experts also will be at the event to discuss the benefits of purchasing a new home vs. a resale home. The event will include light snacks and refreshments to those in attendance.

"Homebuyers who take advantage of these tax credits and purchase brand-new homes will have the ability to select interiors to meet their needs as homeowners, rather than having to buy a home that will require out-of-pocket funds to customize, repair or both," Stocker said. "Buying a brand new home that comes with builder warranties also gives homebuyers additional peace of mind while also benefiting from this unprecedented tax credit."

The Homebuyer Tax Credit Fair information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Tax laws are subject to change.

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was extended in November 2009 by Congress to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The legislation provides opportunities for home buyers with enactment of a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers and up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers. Income limits for receiving the tax credit are $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples. Partial credits are available for individual taxpayers with incomes up to $145,000 and for married taxpayers with incomes up to $245,000.

Only homes purchased on or before April 30 are eligible for these tax credits. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, a home purchase completed by June 30 will qualify.

Mountain's Edge was certified by Robert Charles Lesser and Co., an independent real estate advisory firm, as the No. 1 master planned community in the United States in 2008, its second year holding the top ranking.

A key feature of Mountain's Edge is Exploration Park, an 80-acre park that includes volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic areas and an amphitheater for concerts and other live performances. The park's attractions also include trails leading up to the top of Exploration Peak, the city's first mountain park.

Builders within in the master plan include: Amstar Homes, Beazer Homes, Camden Homes, Harmony Homes, KB Home, Meritage Homes, Pardee Homes, Phillips Homes, Pulte Homes, Richmond American Homes, Ryland, and Warmington Homes Nevada. For more information on Focus Property Group visit focuspropertygroup.com

Those looking to learn more about the homes offered within Mountain's Edge or who would like to learn more about the Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit Fair taking place today are invited to visit the development's Home Search Café, located at the community's entrance on Buffalo and Blue Diamond or visit mountainsedge.com. The Café is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and can be reached at 898-5777.