A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Make the American Dream Real Again Act," proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It seeks to create a new refundable credit for qualified home acquisition expenses. This credit would be available to individuals who sell their principal residence to a first-time homebuyer. The amount of the credit is based on the expenses paid by the buyer or the taxpayer's tax liability decrease regarding the sale gain. The changes would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The definition of a first-time homebuyer provides a financial advantage to those entering the property market for the first time.
- Scored +4
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
The refundable credit provides tax relief for those involved in the home sale and acquisition process.
- Scored +4
Does this cut taxes for middle-income families?
The bill provides a refundable tax credit for home acquisition expenses which can benefit middle-income families purchasing their first homes.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Credit for Home Sellers: Individuals selling their principal residence to a first-time homebuyer can receive a tax credit. This credit is equal to the lesser of the qualified home acquisition expenses paid by the buyer or the amount by which the taxpayer's tax liability would decrease if the sale gain were not included in gross income (Section 2(a)).
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Support for First-Time Homebuyers: The bill defines a first-time homebuyer as an individual who, and if married, their spouse, had no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 2-year period ending on the date of the sale (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Coverage of Various Costs: The credit applies to "qualified home acquisition expenses," which include down payments, inspection costs, and closing costs (Section 2(b)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The definition of a first-time homebuyer provides a financial advantage to those entering the property market for the first time. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The refundable credit provides tax relief for those involved in the home sale and acquisition process. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The assistance with down payments and closing costs can help lower-income individuals enter the housing market.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this cut taxes for middle-income families? — The bill provides a refundable tax credit for home acquisition expenses which can benefit middle-income families purchasing their first homes. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By incentivizing the sale of principal residences to first-time buyers, the bill may stimulate residential real estate transactions.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The credit helps reduce the costs associated with acquiring a home, such as down payments and closing costs.
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York