Senators agree to extend Tax Credit

Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers. The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers but is set to expire at the end of November.

Under the Senate panel compromise, buyers must have sales agreements in hand by April 30, but they will have until June 30 to go to settlement, the sources said. The measure still faces votes in the full Senate and the House.

Other news -The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best  in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. Consumers led the rebound in the third quarter, snapping up cars and homes with cash from government support programs.

The  turnaround ended the streak of four straight quarters of contracting economic activity, the first time that’s happened on records dating to 1947.

The government’s $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers supported the housing rebound. Congress is considering extending the credit, which expires on Nov. 30.

The collapse of the housing market help lead the country into the recession. The sector’s return to good health is a crucial ingredient to a sustained economic recovery.

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Green Products

Builders and Contractors might be able to do a better job informing buyers about their projects Green Features.

According to ECOHOME Magazine,”Pros are missing out on a very important opportunity, because consumers are clamoring for Green features. Builders and Contractor’s in general, may need to do a better job pointing out the Green Products and Green Features of their homes and construction projects, and some are missing out on the opportunity to note the environmentally friendly construction practices and products they already use. Mentioning these features and the associated benefits throughout the sales process helps to sell the products and the benefits of the energy efficiency, water management and environmentally friendly applications they already use.
 
Another issue is the difference between what the builder/contractor and the customer think is a green product, home or application.

Shelly’s can help sort it all out.  Check out our Green Resources section of our e-showroom or stop in to see one of our knowledgeable salespeople for more information on green products and green building practices.

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