According to the California Association of Realtors (CAR) in the 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Survey, nearly 40% of the first time home buyers in California claim that the $8000 federal government’s tax credit had a significant impact on their decision to purchase a home before the end of this year.

In Ventura County there has been an 18% increase in the number of homes sold from January-August of 2009 compared to the same period of time in 2008.  Since there have not been any significant positive changes to our county’s economy, the increase in the number of homes sold in Ventura County has consequently been correlated to the first time home buyers tax credit.

Therefore, CAR and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are urging Congress to extend the December 1, 2009 deadline and to include all home buyers in the $8000 tax credit program.

We care strongly about our readers’ opinions and would like to know if you believe that:

• The Congress should extend the first time home buyers tax credit?
• The Congress should offer the tax credit to all home buyers?

Stay tuned for the Congress’s final decision on the first time home buyers (or all home buyers) tax credit.