If you’ve been following the news, you are likely familiar with the federal government’s 0-900 billion stimulus package designed to boost the economy by creating new jobs, providing mortgage assistance, educational grants, and a suite of other incentives. A key part of this package is the first time home buyer stimulus program aimed at reviving the ailing housing market by assisting first time home buyers and buyers who haven’t purchased a home in the last three years. The incentives for those qualifying under this program are such that even those previously opposed to buying a home in this market are now changing their minds.
The main reason the first time home buyer stimulus package is so attractive is that it directly addresses the concerns that most people have about buying a new home. The first concern that most people have is how they will come up with the down payment. After all, you must have a considerable sum of money saved away in order to come up with a ten percent down payment. Thanks to the stimulus package, however, the federal government will help first time buyers by paying a percentage of the down payment. In other words, you do not have to come up with the full amount on your own. The second worry is the dreaded interest that accompanies monthly mortgage payments. There is good news here as well as the federal government has cut interest rates. Thirdly, those qualifying as first time home buyers can apply for refundable tax credit of ten percent of the purchase price of their homes (up to ,000) if they enter into a binding agreement by April 30th of next year. This is practically money in your pocket which you do not have to pay back unless you decide to sell or move out of your home within the first three years.
With all these benefits, no wonder more and more people are getting exciting about buying a new home in these tough economic times. These incentives will not last forever so if you have a steady source of income and are serious about owning your own home, now is the time to act.



