Real estate in my office seems to be hopping lately.  We are seeing all kinds of listings and – even better – homes sold on our big board at work, so it’s encouraging.  However no one will ever remember 2009 as a great year in real estate!  And to kick a dog while it was down, the final numbers have come in for the final month of the horrid year.  According to CNN Money December sales were down,

The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales plunged 16.7% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.45 million units, down from the revised rate of 6.54 million in November. Still, sales year-over-year were up 15%.

Realistically the slower sales in December shouldn’t be a big surprise.  The original $8000 tax credit was set to expire at the end of November, so most people eligible for the federal money would have closed prior to December.

With the tax credit now extended and existing home owners also eligible for $6500, I’m hoping we’ll see a jump in sales again these first four months of 2010 (a buyer must have a home under contract by April 30 and close by June 30 to get the credit).

A started to write a word of caution about not expecting to get your tax credit refund right away. It was awaiting to have the proper IRS documentation in place as mandated by Congress.  Fortunately, the IRS released the new form today so go for it!