ALTOONA, BLAIR  COUNTY - The Federal Government want to make it easier for people to buy a new home. Part of the economic stimulus bill approved by Congress will give a big boost to plenty of home buyers. Federal Officials say the first time home buyers program that has been around since the beginning of this year has been a big success. At cost of ten billion dollars, federal officials are now ready to extend and expand the effort.

 Real estate analysts say that about 1.4 million first time home buyers have qualified for for special housing tax credits so far this year. It's estimated that 350 thousand home purchases were made because of the federal tax support. Local real estate professionals say the program has made a difference. The program, which was to expire at the end of this month, will now be extended until June of next year. Under its terms, first time home buyers can receive up to $8, 000 in tax credits. And people who have lived in a home for at least five years will be able to receive up to $6,500 in tax credits. Expanding the program to people who already own their homes is expected to draw in plenty of new real estate customers.

To make sure this program has the desired effect, home buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by the end of this coming April and complete the purchase by the end of June. The annual income of home buyers is limited to $125,000 for an individual or $225,000 for a couple. And the tax breaks can only be used for a principal residence and no vacation home are eligible. The entire effort is aimed at rebuilding the demand for housing in this country. Supporters of the bill say there is evidence its working.