I am planning on the first time home buyers credit for 2009 tax year. Here is how I see the situation: What you're coming from and going into are two different things. You can be going to almost anything shy of a tent. Coming from is another story. No one has clearly defined what is a "home". As a former
realtor, the description of a residence is that is has to be attached to property for which you get a tax bill. Currently we live in a manufactured home that is on a rental lot. We don't own the property (land) and pay a monthly rental fee. To me, that is the same as renting an apartment. We are not "home owners" even the manufactured home is worth $125k. We bought a new home on land that we now own so we are claiming the credit. Going to is another story. As I see it, you can buy almost anything and have it qualify as a home as long as it is your primary residence and you have to live in at least three years. My BIL has already filed his taxes for 2009, has now bought a new house and wants to claim the $6500 credit. He will close by 6-30-10 and claim it on his 2009 taxes but will have to file an ammended return. What a mess.