I wanted to post this question because I have been trying to research it on other sites and thought someone could help me well I need to know is the first time home buyers credit apart from your regular return?is it money that they send you or just a credit to your gross income?

It is a refundable tax credit that is your tax refund will increase by $8,000 (max. amount). Your U.S. Tax Return: First-Time Homebuyer Credit

It is a tax credit (dollar for dollar against your tax liability). If you want a CPA's advice, there is a post on my website http://firsttimehome.us with a link toward a TurboTax page on Facebook, which let's you post your question and get it answered by a TurboTax CPA