States Doing Their Part to Rally Housing Demand, Fix Economy

Recognizing the damaging impact of the housing downturn on revenues and their economies, a growing number of state governments have been taking steps to provide incentives for home buyers. Included among these are programs that enable first-time purchasers to monetize the $8,000 tax credit enacted as part of February’s massive economic stimulus package and use it as a downpayment.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has recently established an information clearinghouse on tax credit monetization programs for consumers and other state agencies. To read up-to-date information on these programs, click here. ...

NAHB Help During Downturn Available to State, Local HBAs

NAHB has begun two federation-wide assistance programs designed to strengthen state and local home builders associations so they can operate effectively during the downturn and be in position to thrive and help their members prosper when the housing market eventually returns.

The programs include discounted association management services available to all state and local HBAs and a grant program available to 139 struggling HBAs. ...