Last October most people thought the first time home buyers’ tax credit was over and done with, the deadline of November 30, 2009 looked impossible for most people to close escrow within the time frame necessary to claim their tax credit of up to $8,000. Don’t let this happen twice!

Thanks to the National Association of REALTORS’® call to action and the overwhelming response of its members, we got an extension and expansion of this valuable program.  Its new expanded version not only extends the first time home buyer tax credit but now opens the program up to property owners that have owned their home for at least five (5) years.

I invite you to visit REALTOR.org for a full explanation of this program together with free and low-cost pamphlets to order/download explaining how this works.  Bottom line for both tax credit groups is they must have a property under contract by April 30^th, 2010 and close escrow by June 30^th. Come on people – time’s a wastin’.  Let hit the road running and help clients take advantage of that credit.  Check out what’s going on right now to help you:

• It’s Tax Time – You have an instant audience, consumers are looking at their tax bite and thinking they’d like to keep more of their money next year.  This is the way to do it and they get a house on top of it.  What a “win-win” for them and you!  Nothing makes people appreciate a tax break more than preparing their taxes.

• The Market is GREAT for Buyers -  Prices are affordable and money is cheap.  Oh, by-the-way, the government is willing to give you up to $8,000 as an added incentive.

• A Good Reason to Call -  I hear from real estate agents constantly who say they would call their past clients more often if they had something to talk about.  Well, you got your wish with the Tax Credit.  They may not be personally interested but they undoubtedly have family and friends who will be.  They can prospect for you – what a DEAL!

• Open House Opportunities – Open houses have always been a great way to prospect but now they have an added sweetener.  Go door to door in the streets surrounding any open house you are holding.  Offer a “sneak peak” especially for neighbors and hand out the NAR brochure on the Tax Credit both to neighbors and at the open house.  It’s not only a great program but a real ice-breaker.

So here are four great reasons just in case you need motivating.  Now is the perfect time to get the word out.  No more excuses just a nifty way to increase your business.

For John Hall & Associates’ REALTORS® I’ve also included a few ice-breaker talking points along with one of the tax credit pamphlets on the company intranet.