JACKSONVILLE - First-time homebuyers interested in getting a $7,500 government tax credit and a summer clearance price on a new home can choose from dozens of quick move-in homes available now from Ryland Homes' Jacksonville Division.

But, they'd better hurry to get the best selection at one of nine Ryland-Jacksonville communities and to qualify before the minimum down payments for FHA loans increases from 3 to 3½ percent on Oct. 1, according to Gerry Boeneman, president of Ryland's Jacksonville Division.

"This is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers or for anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years," he said. 

Boeneman said Ryland-Jacksonville has nearly 30 homes available for quick closings and moves. Prices range from $123,990 for a 1,185-square foot townhome to more than $453,246 for homes with footprints of over 3,500 square feet.

The tax credit - part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 - is being offered on houses closed on after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.  To qualify, individuals must earn no more than $75,000, while couples can earn up to $150,000.

The credit - the equivalent of an interest-free government loan - is to be paid back in 15 years.

For more information about the homes available, visit www.ryland.com/jacksonville.

For more information about this release, please contact:

Andie Patton, Ryland Jacksonville marketing coordinator, 904-541-2284 or apatton@Ryland.com;

Rick Perkins, Ryland Jacksonville VP of sales & marketing, 904-541-2244;

Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-837-8780, 407-644-4142 or chagervandyke@yahoo.com

About Ryland Homes: 

All Ryland homes are constructed using HouseWorks earth-friendly construction practices that include double-paned, low-emission windows, 14-SEER HVAC systems, 4-inch hospital-quality air filters, programmable thermostats, blown-in cellulose insulation, carbon monoxide detectors and advanced framing methods.

The HouseWorks demonstration video is available on-line at www.Ryland.com/jacksonville or you can visit any Ryland model home center for an interactive demonstration that showcases the environmental and monetary benefits of building to this standard.

With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. Founded in 1967, the company currently operates in 28 markets throughout the country and has built more than 275,000 homes and financed more than 230,000 mortgages. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RYL."