Four reasons why now is a good time for first-time home buyers

Here are four reasons why buying your first home now represents a real opportunity:

#1: Mortgage rates are low. A 30 year fixed rate loan is currently around 6%. Read more.

#2: The $7,500 tax credit. The tax credit is essentially an interest free loan that is payable over 15 years. The program expires on July 1, 2009. Read more.

#3: The fall and winter months are the slowest months of the sales year - meaning you have more negotiating leverage right now than you will at any other point of the year. Read more.

#4: Resale is easier with a starter home. Months of inventory are traditionally much lower in the more affordable price categories. Read more.

If you've been thinking of buying but you're not sure where to start, a good first step is to meet with a lender. Learn about your lending options and find out how much home you can comfortably afford.

Also visit the buying real estate page at DaneCountyMarket.com, where you'll find a number of articles and resources that touch on various aspects of buying a home.