This is a great opportunity for the home buyer. Everyone loves a tax break and you do not have to be a first time home buyer to qualify. I have listed some key points to help understand the tax credit.

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. It also authorized a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers.

• tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for first-time home buyers purchasing on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
• A tax credit of up to $6,500 is available for repeat home buyers who have owned a home for five consecutive years out of the prior eight years. The repeat home buyer tax credit applies to houses sold after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
• Income limits of $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly apply to all sales occurring after Nov. 6, 2009.
• The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009 are $75,000 for individual taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• Homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for either the first-time home buyer tax credit or the repeat home buyer tax credit.
• Expanded tax credit benefits apply to members of the military, the foreign service and the intelligence community.
• Home purchases in 2010 may be claimed on an amended 2009 income tax return.
• Persons who are claimed as dependents by a taxpayer or who are under age 18 do not qualify for a tax credit.
• Home purchases from relatives of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse do not qualify for the tax credit. The IRS defines relatives as ancestors (parent, grandparent, etc.), lineal descendants (child, grandchildren, etc.) and spouses.
• Married couples are not eligible to claim the first-time home buyer tax credit if either spouse has previously owned a home. They may, however, qualify for the repeat home buyer tax credit.
• Neither the first-time home buyer tax credit nor the repeat home buyer tax credit have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
• Taxpayers must submit a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement and IRS Form 5405 to claim either the first-time home buyer tax credit or the repeat home buyer tax credit. JUNE ANTOS

The annual Desert Caballeros Ride left  historic downtown Wickenburg at noon on Monday, April 20. Horseback riders made their way in and out of the construction making their way out into the desert.   Traffic is held up for a short time while they ride out and back into town. As usual, Wickenburg Way was lined with well wishers as the cowboys left town for their five-day adventure.   They will ride more than 60 miles during this week long adventure. For more than 60 years, the men’s riding group has enjoyed the beautiful area of Wickenburg.  The opening ceremony begins with the singing of the National Anthem and several good ole cowboy songs.
The 63rd Annual ride of the Desert Caballeros set off without a hitch, in spite of road construction. This ride brings men from all over the country.   Some are new comers and others have been on the annual ride for many years.  The Desert Caballeros ride has men of all ages.  Fathers, sons, brothers and friends wait all year to see each other. Friends are made during the week and some can last a lifetime. During the week they enjoy different activities, good food and a few beverages.   It is a wonderful time for all. But you know what they say—What happens in camp, Stays in camp!!!!!    June Antos

Wickenburg High School had their 2009 Prom  on Saturday night.  Wow, what a change since we were in school. (I’m not that old).  Thehairdos, makeup and beautiful dresses was something to see.  Oh! And the SHOES, loved it!!!!  Most of the kids went to dinner prior to going to Prom.   My daughter and her friends went to a friends house and cooked steaks.  My nephew and his group went to Olive Garden in Phoenix. Everyone had their own agenda.  It takes girls much longer to get ready than boys!!!  Girls actually have to start about 10:00 in the morning.  They have to have their nails done and can’t do anything (including dishes) after that because they may break a nail.  Then they have the hair. That can take 1- 3 hours.  Then comes the dressing up.  It is quite an ordeal.   After dinner they all adjourn to the Country Club where they pull up in their vehicles, someone parks it for them and then they proceed to walk in front of the excited parents, family and friends.  They are each announced and walk on the ‘Pink’ carpet, stop and take photos.  Then they are in the front door for dancing the rest of the night.  It’s nice to see all the kids that go and what a transformation.  Some of the kids only put a fancy dress and suit on one time a year.  They all looked so beautiful and handsome. There is a lot of planning that goes into 6 hours on one evening.  Those teachers, helpers etc do not see much appreciation and probably no thanks.  I’m sure all the kids appreciate it more than they know.  Good job to all.    June Antos

We had a great time @ the Wickenburgs Fireman Auction on Saturday night. That was the 95thAnnual Auction.  Have you ever had to call on our Fire Department?  If so, you know they are quick and very professional. This auction is to help raise money for a variety of things needed during the year.  We started with coctail hour!! Who doesn’t like that.  During coctail hour you can walk around and view what is going to be auctioned off- See what you want to spend your money on. (Men and women sometimes have different views) It can be anything from guns to a load of hay to a beauty shop donation.  There are also door prizes throughout the evening. Before the auction begins we have dinner. The main course for dinner is beef and pork that the fireman pitted the night before. Fireman wifes are a big part of the success getting all the other food ready.  It has always been #1.  Then the fun begins when one of our Wickenburg locals who is known for his Auctioneering-Carson Thomas  begins.  He makes spending money fun.  Carson has been the  Auctioneer for numerous years and is well respected. You know a true professional when he can talk that fast and actually keep track of where he was. The auction usually lasts 2 hours. It’s a great evening to enjoy friends, family and help support the community.  THANK YOU BOYS!!!!!! See you next year.    June Antos