LANSING, Mich. — The state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation aimed at encouraging Michiganders to buy their first home and place their roots here in Michigan.
Senate Bill 511 would create the Michigan First-time Home Buyer Savings Program. It would allow an individual to create a savings account with their financial institution and designate it as a first-time homebuyer savings account. Funds in the account could be used toward a down payment or allowable closing costs for a first-time home purchase in Michigan.
SB 512, sponsored by Horn, would provide a state income tax deduction of up to $5,000 for a single return and $10,000 for a joint return for contributions made into a first-time homebuyer savings account for up to 20 years.
These first-time homebuyer savings accounts would function similarly to education savings plans, which have proven to be extremely beneficial in helping Michigan families cover increasing costs of higher education.
SBs 511 and 512 will now go to the House for further consideration.