Some good news on the housing front. More Iowans are buying homes than were a year ago, in what could be a sign of a recovering economy. The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors say home sales in Iowa shot up 71% last month compared to November 2008.
"It was fun having Christmas lights. It's my first Christmas here."
It's Joann Van Vleet's first Christmas in her first home. The 25 year-old teacher moved into her dream home the middle of October, with a little help from the first time home buyer's tax credit.
"It definitely helped. With me being a single person buying my own home, I don't know if I would have bought it if I didn't know I would get $8,000 to help out."
Joann is just one of hundreds of metro residents who received the big tax credit for taking the plunge into homeownership. There were far more Joann's than realtors expected.
"We were expecting an up tick but when we saw 71% I went on Facebook and was like 'oh my gosh!' 71% that's awesome!" says Katie Sells of Iowa Realty.
Sells is thrilled about November's jump from the year before. She credits the tax credit program and the low interest rates for all the "sold" signs around town. In fact, she's so excited about the numbers, she thinks the housing slump here in the metro is over and done with.
"I think we're through the cold in Des Moines. It doesn't feel that way with the weather, but as far as the real estate market it's heating up a lot."
Joann will spend the chilly holidays warm and cozy in her new home giving thanks for her new digs, and $8,000 dollars credit from the government.
"It's kind of like a Christmas present. Wow! Extra cash to help you out if you're in a rut.
In October, the government extended the original tax credit deadline from November to April 30th, so you have four more months to get that credit if you're looking for a new home. The government also expanded the program. If you've been in your current home for five years or longer, you qualify for a $6,500 tax credit.
"It was fun having Christmas lights. It's my first Christmas here."
It's Joann Van Vleet's first Christmas in her first home. The 25 year-old teacher moved into her dream home the middle of October, with a little help from the first time home buyer's tax credit.
"It definitely helped. With me being a single person buying my own home, I don't know if I would have bought it if I didn't know I would get $8,000 to help out."
Joann is just one of hundreds of metro residents who received the big tax credit for taking the plunge into homeownership. There were far more Joann's than realtors expected.
"We were expecting an up tick but when we saw 71% I went on Facebook and was like 'oh my gosh!' 71% that's awesome!" says Katie Sells of Iowa Realty.
Sells is thrilled about November's jump from the year before. She credits the tax credit program and the low interest rates for all the "sold" signs around town. In fact, she's so excited about the numbers, she thinks the housing slump here in the metro is over and done with.
"I think we're through the cold in Des Moines. It doesn't feel that way with the weather, but as far as the real estate market it's heating up a lot."
Joann will spend the chilly holidays warm and cozy in her new home giving thanks for her new digs, and $8,000 dollars credit from the government.
"It's kind of like a Christmas present. Wow! Extra cash to help you out if you're in a rut.
In October, the government extended the original tax credit deadline from November to April 30th, so you have four more months to get that credit if you're looking for a new home. The government also expanded the program. If you've been in your current home for five years or longer, you qualify for a $6,500 tax credit.
