The Charlotte suburb of Huntersville NC was recently recognized by Forbes.com as the #2-ranked place to relocate in their 2009 edition of "America's Best 25 Places to Move".  The article coined the term "Relovilles" as the new buzzword to describe growing towns across the country that families and corporate executives are relocating to.  These "Relovilles" are close enough to large metropolitan cities that offer entertainment, sports and cultural amenities, and a lower cost of living, yet far enough away to still offer the upscale but quiet suburban lifestyle that many families seek.  This Forbes.com acknowledgement of Huntersville is just the latest in a series of recognized achievements that the Lake Norman town of Huntersville has received over recent years.  Other publications such as Money Magazine has recognized Huntersville NC as a Best Place to Live in America and as one of the Top 20 places in North Carolina to retire with low Huntersville NC taxes.  As a 10-year Huntersville resident myself, I can certainly vouch for the quality of life, great schools, amenities, shopping, dining, recreation, golf and the sort.  It's been a great place to live, work and play!

For example, if our client saves $2,000, the fund will add an additional $8,000 to the $2,000 saved, for a total of $10,000 to be used towards a home purchase.  Please note that this is not a loan!  The program continues through December 31, 2009, or until all monies have been disbursed.  Funds are provided on a first-come, first served basis, so when the money's gone...it's gone. So act quickly!

This is just one more reason why now is the BEST time to buy a home.  Interest rates are in the 5% range.  Home prices are falling and much more affordable than a year ago.  Home inventory is plentiful, and there are exceptional deals in this Buyers' Market.  And don't forget about the $8,000 First-time buyer tax credit!  Don't let these superb opportunities pass you by or it will be too late!

Contact The Pruitt Group for more details.

Homebuyers no longer have to wait until after closing to obtain their $8,000 first time buyer tax credit.  Last month, HUD announced that first-time homebuyers using FHA-approved lenders can now get an advance on the $8,000 tax credit and apply it toward their down payments or closing costs right away.

There still is a caveat however.  In many cases, homebuyers must still come up with the FHA mandatory 3.5% downpayment on their own, but can use the tax credit to lower their principal balance and/or pay discount points to buy their interest rate down.  There is a way that homebuyers can still use the tax credit to avoid the downpayment requirement, which is by having the lending institution collaborate with a state housing finance authority or non-profit program to provide bridge loans to allow buyers to borrow against the $8,000 credit and then repay it with their tax refunds.

However the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit is used, it is still an exceptional benefit to assist families in purchasing a home.  Don't forget....the home must be purchased before December 1st of this year to qualify for the tax credit.  Don't wait...and don't be late!