For 48 years the Spring Homes Tour has served as the leading resource for consumers shopping for a new home. Produced by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, the 2010 edition of the Spring Homes Tour will return April 10 through April 25!

Extended and Expanded Tax Credit a Big Bonus
Consumers ready to jump into new-home ownership can benefit significantly from the first-time homebuyer tax credit passed by Congress this fall. The credit provides up to an $8,000 tax credit for qualified buyers who haven't owned a home during the past three years, adding a powerful incentive for buyers considering a new-home purchase. The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 also has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010). Click here for a FAQ on the first-time homebuyer component of the tax credit or click here to find out more about the $6,500 credit for repeat buyers.

Consumers Making the Move to Homeownership
There are so many questions to ask when it comes to buying a new home. How much home can I afford? What will be my interest rate? How much down payment do I need? But the biggest question is one many consumers are asking themselves right now: Is the time right for me to buy a new home? Taking into consideration today's housing values, historic low mortgage rates, tax benefits and loan options, the answer for most consumers is a resounding yes.