First-time homebuyer credit: sixteen weeks and counting

I doubt many of my friends are dealing with this, but I wanted to give an update on the supposed "quick" economic stimulus offered to first-time homebuyers. You remember that in 2008, those buyers were offered a $7500 loan, repayable in 3 annual installments, and that in 2009, those buyers were offered an $8000 credit with no need to repay. The program was extended and again modified in late 2009, for those people who'd been living in a home for at least 5 years now eligible for a $6500 credit, as long as they moved/closed on their "new" home by the end of April.

The stimulus was signed in early 2009, and the initial program allowed those 2009 buyers who wanted "quicker" access to their funds the option of modifying their 2008 federal tax returns to take the credit then. That's what I did: I closed on this place on 28 Aug, and mailed the required forms the same afternoon. They were received by the IRS in early Sept., and the clock began ticking. I think that the first filers - those in Jan, Feb, and Mar 2009 - waited only 4-6 weeks for their amended returns to be processed; however, that wait time has now crept up to 12-16 weeks according to the IRS website. I'm entering week 18, and a quick search of various internet forums reveals a smorgasborg of stories: delays, lost paperwork, denials, and a few successes (but usually still these folks had long delays).

So I thought I'd post and start an official clock, just to see how long it finally takes to arrive, if ever: in 2008 I had foreign income and a foreign address, sure-fire red flags to send my amended form into extra review. I'm hoping by Feb 1st - which would be 5 months from closing date. We shall see.