Looking outside on this rainy, winter day here in Ashland, Oregon, you wouldn't think that spring is so close. But, one of our first signs of spring here in the Rogue Valley are the daffodils. Not only is spring right around the corner, but it seems that the buyers here in Southern Oregon are not waiting for spring to get out there a buy a home!

I am working with four first time home buyers who have all been diligent about getting fully credit approved for their financing, and have hit the streets with their agents trying to find a home. Although the inventory has contracted here in our local real estate market, and the home loans buyers need are still readily available, the entry level homes are being snatched up faster than candy falling from an open piñata.

These buyers are looking for homes in the Medford and Central Point areas where they plan to use the FHA loan with 3 ½% down payment required to reach their goal, and in areas that have smaller populations that qualify for the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loan that requires no money down (Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, White City, Eagle Point, Shady Cove, Rogue River, Gold Hill, areas of Grants Pass).

Not only does diligence and preparation come in to play as it always has for Southern Oregon home buyers who wish to successfully become homeowners, but persistence and dedication are what home buyers need in order to get under contract on a home.

So if you are a home buyer who has been waiting for spring or summer to get started on getting approved for your home loan and finding a home, you might want to think about moving up your time table. Yes, eligible first time home buyers have until December 1, 2009 to close escrow on a home and benefit from the $8,000 tax credit - but there may not be many homes on the market for you to choose from if you wait! Just ask a local Realtor.

See you at the closing table!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com