We're just into 2012 and already there's talk from Washington of a new program to "fix" the housing problem, with today's papers carrying a story about a modification of the Home Affordable Modification Act. While I've read conflicting reports its contents, it seems to focus on a refinancing plan to help people with good credit and current payments who are upside down on their current mortgages. Without getting into the specifics of the HAPA at this time, I couldn't help wondering how the previous plans had affected the housing market in Muncie and Delaware County, IN.
The previous federal stimulus programs were as follows.
2008-The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008- First-time homebuyers were offered a tax credit of up to $7500 as a no-interest loan to be repaid at $500/yr for 15 yrs.
2009-The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)- First-time home buyers were offered a tax credit of up to $8,000 which did not have to be repaid. Non-first-time buyers were offered up to $6,500.
2010- ARRA was extended to buyers under contract by May 31 and closed by Aug. 31.
Looking at sales and prices from 2006 -2011, I saw no significant effec
t on our market. Here's the data.
Except for a property tax issue in Aug. of 2007, the sales and price increses reflect the normal seasonal cycle of our business. I'd be interested in hearing what effect the stimulus programs had on your markets. Maybe the 2012 plan will have positive results, but I doubt it. The only good thing is that given the current political climate, there's little chance anything will be passed.
Comments(0)