There are some pretty attractive incentives out there right now if you want to buy a home or update the energy efficiency of the one you already own.

 The Feds have extended and modified the American Recovery and Assistance Act of 2009. That piece of legislation brought us the First-Time Home-Buyer Program last year that gave a $7,500 tax credit to lots of folks buying their first home.
 
For this year they have lowered some of the income limits and raised the amount of the credit for first-time buyers. The credit is now $8,000 and if you have owned a home and don’t qualify as a first-timer, you can get a $6,500 tax credit.

You also get a reimbursement for money you spend updating your home’s energy systems. Furnaces, water heaters, lighting and most energy consuming appliances qualify.  For information on all of the Federal programs go to www.irs.gov/recovery.
The Alaska Housing Financing Corporation also has several programs to put  cash in your pocket. If you buy a new 5-star plus home you can get a $7,500 rebate from AHFC.

The State also has the AHFC Energy Rebate Program with which you can get as much $10,000 for energy improve-ments for your existing home. Go to the AHFC site at www.ahfc.state.ak.us for more information.

Like the TV announcer says “This is a limited time offer.”  So if you want to take advantage of any of these deals you need to act quickly!