From Realtor Magazine Online, Daily Real Estate News August 27, 2008
Home builders are concerned that two provisions of the recently passed housing law will further slow new home sales.
Beginning Oct. 1, the minimum down payment for loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration will go up from 3 percent to 3.5 percent. That adds an extra $1,153 down on a median-priced new home. Also, beginning Oct. 1, sellers will no longer be able to use a charity to channel money to a home buyer to cover a down payment.
Pulte Homes Inc. and Hovnanian Enterprises are both running sales promotions, urging buyers to take advantage of charitable down payment assistance programs before they expire.
Other builders are promoting the law’s $7,500 tax credit for first-time buyers. Beazer Homes USA Inc. recently staged an online consumer seminar about it. Lennar Corp. is offering to cover a down payment of up to 3 percent with no closing costs and throwing in a $7,500 discount for first-time buyers who buy before Oct. 1.
Source: The Associated Press, Alex Veiga (08/26/2008)
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