Unity Economic Development Corporation

Promoting Financial Empowerment and Community-Business Relationships

Unity EDC a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to planning, organizing, and executing programs that financially strengthen the economically and socially disadvantaged members of the Southern Maryland community.

Our Services:

	Fair Housing Assistance
	Homebuyer Education Programs
	Loss Mitigation
	Money Debt Management
	Post-purchase Counseling
	Predatory Lending
	Pre-purchase Counseling

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams - Help Is Free!

	There is never a fee to get assistance or information about Making Home Affordable from your lender or a HUD-approved housing counselor. UEDC Help Line 301.505.0331
	Beware of any person or organization that asks you to pay a fee in exchange for housing counseling services or modification of a delinquent loan. Do not pay – walk away!
	Beware of anyone who says they can “save” your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house. Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.
	Never make your mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.

www.financialstability.gov.

If you are a homeowner who is current on your mortgage payments but unable to refinance to a lower interest
rate because your home value has decreased, you may be able to refinance.

Need urgent help? Contact the Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline: (888) 995-HOPE

Links you can use!

	Click here: HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
	Click here: Buying a Home - HUD
	Click here: HOPE (Home Owners Preserving Equity): Foreclosure Prevention/ Assistance Program

TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

If you purchase a principal residence on or after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009, you can take the first-time home buyer's tax credit of up to $8,000 either on your 2008 return or next year on your 2009 tax return.

The credit is equal to 10 percent of the home purchase price, up to the $8,000 limit. National Association of Realtors (http://www.realtor.org).

There are a few filing options for first-time home buyers eligible for the credit this year:

	If you purchase your home between Jan. 1, 2009, and April 15, 2009, you can claim the $8,000 credit on your 2008 return, due by April 15.
	If are planning to close on your home after April 15 but by Oct. 15, you can file for an extension and just wait until the October tax deadline to file your 2008 tax return to claim the credit. You have up to three years to file an amended return.
	If you have already filed your 2008 return and qualify for the $8,000 credit but want to take it this year, you can file an amended return on Form 1040X, which is available at http://www.irs.gov.