Continuing the trend of accolades over the past several years Boise once again lands in the top 10 list for the best places to live according to Yahoo Finance and US News. See the complete listing at the following link. http://xrl.in/2fup
While Boise has not escaped unscathed in these trying economic times, it has fared better than many. Jobs and housing will be key to any recovery and despite recent layoffs at several large employers in the Treasure Valley we continue to attract new business (both large and small) to further diversify and expand our economic base. The high quality of life and affordable cost of living continue to draw individuals, families, and investors from around the country to the city of trees.
As of last Friday there has been an exciting improvement to the $8,000 ($8,000 or 10% of sales price, whichever is less) tax credit available to first time home buyers. Now, buyers using FHA approved lenders will be able to take an advance on their $8,000 credit and put it towards their down payments and or closing costs.
While the stimulus provides this credit to first time buyers (or those that have not owned a home for the past 3 years) the $8,000 previously could only be collected after the close of escrow by filing an amended 2008 return or waiting to claim the credit in 2010 on the buyers 2009 tax return.
I expect this to make a great thing even better as many first time home buyers find it difficult to come up with thousands of dollars in closing costs along with a down payment. For additional information regarding this new program consult your preferred lender. You can read the full article about this new program here.
