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What if the government decided today that, instead of bailing out Wall Street, it was going to give every American $8,000? What would you do with the money?

For most Americans, paying off credit card debt would be a great way to use the free money. According to a Nilson Report released in April 2009, the average credit card debt per household in the US was $8,329 at the end of 2008. That money from the government would almost wipe out your debt completely. Imagine being completely debt free.

Healthcare is a big topic these days. According to the most current Census Bureau statistics, some 45.7 million Americans do not have health insurance. So, many Americans might choose to use their $8,000 to enroll their family in a healthcare program through their employer. The federal government tracks the average spending on health insurance for people with job-based coverage, and the most recent figures (from 2005!) indicate that the average individual’s premiums were $3,991, while families spent an average of $10,728. Your $8,000 would go a long way in insuring your family.

Some Americans might choose to start a small business. Experts estimate that start-up costs for many new business ventures are between $10,000 – $15,000. With $8,000, a large portion of your initial investment would be covered.

If you really think about it, there are so many things you could do with $8,000. You could open a 529 college savings plan. You could take your family on an amazing once-in-a-lifetime vacation. You could open an IRA and save for retirement…

But what’s the point in dreaming. The government’s not giving away $8,000, right?

Wrong.

Right now, through April 1st of this year only, the government is giving qualifying first-time home buyers up to $8,000 for purchasing a home. This is free money that you do not have to pay back.

There are, of course, limitations and other qualifying factors, but they are all pretty reasonable and easy to explain, and we, at Realty World-Davis Homes & Properties, will be glad to discuss these with you or anyone you know who is looking to buy a home in the Lodi, CA / Stockton, CA areas. With today’s combination of lower home prices and lower interest rates, this temporary incentive from the government is really a great option for many Americans who act now to finally fulfill their dreams of owning a home.

Make it a great day!