OK, yes, now....

NOW, the Home Buyers Tax Credit has been extended.  And there is some cool stuff in it.

Not only can new home buyers still get $8000 from Uncle Sam just for buying a house, but those folks who have owned a house in the past should sit up and pay attention, too.  You may be able to join the party.

Here's the skinny:  Everything remains the same for you if you have never owned a primary residence (or haven't in three years).  Just keep on procrastinating like you have been; you have more time.  I recommend you get moving before the end of April, though.  You must now be UNDER CONTRACT by April 30, 2010.  You must also close your sale by June 30, 2010.  That gives you 60 days to close which is double what you had the first go 'round.

OK, here comes the cool part.  People who HAVE owned a primary residence in recent years can get a tax credit of up to $6500 if you meet certain requirements.  The biggie is that you have to have lived in your house for a consecutive five of the last eight years.  Note that this tax break doesn't apply to home sales.  But, what you may consider is that you have closing costs when you sell your home, buyers of your current domicile might ask you to pay their closing costs, and, if you hire a REALTOR, you will have commissions to pay.  $6500 might go a long way to covering those costs.

I really doubt that we will get another hand-up from Congress in 2010.  If you are thinking of buying a house or selling your current residence, now might just be the time.  While I will not suggest that you make such large changes in your life for a simple tax benefit, I will say that you should consider it when thinking about your options.

There are some income limitations, time requirements, and what-not, so read the IRS's take on the whole thing here:
The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009