Help Your Child Buy a Home
by Pat Esswein
Parents can give children money towards the down payment on their first home. But to make sure you do not run afoul of federal gift tax rules, parents should know that each parent can give a child up to $12,000 per year without incurring a gift tax.[1]
The lender is usually okay with the money being put down by the parents, so long as they don’t feel the money is actually a loan “in disguise.” In order to prove this, each lender will have specific requirements for documentation.
One easy form of documentation is simply a written letter, stating that the money is indeed a gift, and not a loan that needs to be re-paid.[2] This, in essence, frees the child from obligation to pay it back, so it will not impinge on their ability to pay the lender back.
The lender may also require proof of the transfer of funds. This may include a bank deposit slip, or if you deposit the funds on your child’s behalf, lenders may want to see documentation of the child’s bank statements since the transaction.[3]
Be aware though, that in this tough credit market, lenders may not be satisfied with parents being the sole contributors to a down payment. Children may still need to ante up some of the money themselves, as a form of good faith, in hopes of assuring lenders that the children will not simply walk away from the mortgage and default in the future.
If you would like to learn more about the advice contained within this article and how it could benefit you, please contact the professional who provided your subscription.
Reprinted with permission. All Contents © 2008 The Kiplinger Washington Editors
Pingback: harrison lake
Pingback: boating
Pingback: o canada lyrics
Pingback: mortgage payment calculator
Pingback: mortgage broker vancouver
Pingback: coquitlam mortgage broker
Pingback: Melanie Bowen
Pingback: los angeles payday loans
Pingback: I was reading this
Pingback: weblink
Pingback: alkaline water
Pingback: pay plan
Pingback: alkaline water
Pingback: water ionizer