Lest we forget - the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers expires at the end of November, 2009. This means that, to take advantage of this opportunity, a first time buyer must have purchased and closed on their primary residence before the end of November. In the current world of real estate transactions, this means that you first-timers out there should be looking for your new home right now!

I predict that, as the deadline approaches, lenders, appraisers, closing companies, building inspectors, and every other professional associated with the real estate business is going to be out straight and time frames from loan application to closing are going to start dragging out.

So --- Don't get caught in the rush and have to make quick decisions on a major financial event. Make a plan and get started now finding a property that meets your needs. Hire a buyer broker to help you navigate the process. (Check out my post on buyer brokerage for details about how it works.) But, whatever you do, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Ask yourself, "How many times in the last 50 years has the government offered thousands of dollars for just buying a home for myself and my family?" I'll answer that for you.  The answer is, "NEVER!!" And I think you can be assured that it will never happen again in your lifetime.

Get the facts - take the money!!