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When Congress expanded the Homebuyer Tax credit to redefine eligibility it opened the doors to Sellers. The new definition says ‘you must have used the home sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.’ All current home owners who purchased prior to November 6, 2001 are now able to move up to a new home and get a ,500 tax credit to boot. This is in place today but it ends April 30, 2010.

There is no time  like the present to move up to your next home or downsize into your dream home. The cost of the new home can be up to 0,000 and still qualify. Plus they have increased the income limits! You qualify as a single person earning up to 5,000 and 5,000 for married couples. That’s a ,000 increase for singles and ,000 for married. So now your income to buy that next house is in line for the credit.

So there is no better time to get your home on the market. You need to get moving if you are going to take advantage of this offer. But I hear you saying -(or maybe screaming) “THE HOLIDAYS! I just can’t do it over the next two months. Won’t it be better to wait until Spring? There aren’t any serious buyers in the winter.” Of course there are going to be buyers, they are out there wanting to take advantage of the tax credit too. So what needs to happen - Sellers need to go on the market now so there are home to buy. Sounds pretty simple doesn’t it. Well that’s because it is.

This is a great time of year to sell. Let’s look at the positives - the house is decorated, if you have a live tree the smell of pine is delicious, we are burning wood in the fireplace, baking cookies, etc. All very homey and enticing. Everyone is cleaning up to get ready for the onslaught of visitors and family. You know that any Buyers coming to see your home are serious and ready to buy. It is too busy a time of year to just be out looking around.

Here is what you don’t have to do - move over Christmas. Nothing is instant. The marketing of a home takes a few months, so that is why we need to get working right now to get you to the goal by April. You must have your new home under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by July 1, 2010. You want to be available now in order to take advantage of the tax credit. And if you get a chance - thank your local Congressman or Senator!