I think you just need to wait for another 6 months to 1 year
They have another proposal to increase the tax credit to 15,000 and extend it to 2nd home buyers also.
But it is not a done deal and you have to take the risk in waiting for it. Since home prices keep going down, it might not be a bad idea to wait. you might get better price and better tax credit.

If you qualify for the mortgage and you buy the property in your own name and file sep. then it seems to me that you might qualify, however, there is a provision limiting income etc for married people. Ask a CPA.

I had a situation where my clients husband was on the deed with his sister for HER condo, he never lived there. We tried to get the mortgage and the tax credit only using the wifes name and income for the home purchase and they were denied because, as John said, they filed joint tax returns and technically what is her hubby's is hers too.

I would speak to your tax advisor, but if you file your taxes jointly, than I do not belive that you would qualify even if you bought in only your name. A first time home buyer is someone that has not owned a home for 3 of the last 5 years. The rebate would depend on how you filed and how you will file.