The legislation contains two important housing provisions championed by NAR. The final stimulus bill increases the first-time home buyer tax credit to $8,000 and eliminates the repayment requirement of earlier legislation.  In addition, the credit availability has been extended until December 1.

“These important provisions will help bring first-time home buyers to the market and reduce housing inventory,” said McMillan. NAR estimates that the home buyer tax provisions could stimulate up to 300,000 additional home sales, helping stabilize home values and potentially preventing some homeowners from being “underwater” on their mortgage, which can often lead to foreclosure.

The bill also reinstates the 2008 higher loan limits for FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “These higher loan limits are important to make mortgages affordable regardless of where you live. This will also help reduce inventory and improve liquidity in the overall mortgage market,” McMillan said.

This information was obtained from realtor.org.

As a Reno – Sparks real estate consultant I encourage any questions or  comments on the Reno – Sparks real estate market or about any of the articles I post.  You can email me at chance@ballard-company.com