I heard some information about first-time homebuyers receiving a $7,500 tax break. Can you tell me about this? I am a first-time buyer. ...more

February 22, 2009

House Republicans are stiffening their resistance to the magnitude of spending in the plan developed by House Democrats on Obama's behalf to create or save more than 3 million jobs. In the Republican response to the president's address, Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, the House minority leader, called for deeper tax cuts instead. ...more

January 25, 2009

Up to 60 percent of homes selling in Florida's hardest-hit markets are distressed properties, and consumers who bought at the height of the market will have to wait up to seven years before values rise to their original prices, a top industry economist said Friday. ...more

November 8, 2008

The economy won't heal until the housing market improves, and that's going to take government intervention. ...more

November 7, 2008

With Congress considering a new spending package to get the economy moving, think tanks and lawmakers are tossing out stimulus proposals faster than their aides can pump out news releases. Here are some outside-the-Beltway ideas to supercharge the nation's economy. ...more

November 4, 2008

Part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes up to a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time homebuyers. Based on the questions I'm getting from readers, many people are ready to jump at this money like Scooby Doo panting after Scooby snacks. ...more

August 24, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - With the federal government in the midst of sending out income tax rebate checks, another proposal in the works would offer a $750 tax credit to entice people to buy houses. Greg Armstrong, president of the West Pasco Board of Realtors, recently spent a week in Washington, D.C., with a delegation lobbying for various bills such as the $750 credit to home buyers. ...more

May 31, 2008

The number of Americans signing contracts to buy previously owned homes fell more than forecast in December, reinforcing Federal Reserve officials' view that the housing slump won't bottom out until late this year. ...more

February 8, 2008

Drive through any subdivision and the sea of "for sale" signs swims across your vision like a row of landlocked vessels. ...more

December 24, 2007

The Florida Legislature was called to special session this past week to deal with several pressing issues. Of immediate concern is the necessity to revisit the language of the proposed Tax Reform Amendment, originally slated to be on the ballot for the Jan. 29, 2008 presidential primary election. A circuit court judge has ruled that the amendment's language is "unconstitutionally vague and confusing." Most voters now concede that the proposed amendment's wording and intention is at best difficult to understand. ...more

October 10, 2007