MBA applauds the passage of homebuyer tax credit extension

Robert E. Story Jr., CMB, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), has issued the following statement in response to the passage in the U.S. Congress of legislation to extend and expand the homebuyer tax credit: "At a time when we are finally starting to see some signs of life in the housing and mortgage markets, extending and expanding the homebuyer tax credit is a critical step to keeping the momentum. This has been one of MBA's top single-family legislative priorities, and we are very glad to see that policymakers on both sides of the aisle see the importance of this measure. "The existing credit for first-time homebuyers has helped move a segment of potential homebuyers off the sidelines and into their first homes. By expanding it to qualified existing homeowners, we can help stimulate even more home purchases for qualified buyers. I also want to applaud measures in the bill that will help eliminate fraudulent use of the tax credit." For more information, visit www.mortgagebankers.org.