Despite what some people believe, the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers or for someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years is stimulating our local economy. From March 1, 2009 through August 18, 2009 we have sold 146 homes and prices have ranged from $26,000 to $700,000. Only buyers who have closed on their new home by Dec. 1, 2009 will be eligible for the tax credit.