The American Dream of owning a home just got easier for first time homebuyers, thanks to the Housing Stimulus Bill that just recently was signed into law. The bill allows first time homebuyers to claim a $7,500 tax credit upon purchase of their home. This tax credit is only good through July 1, 2009, and is retroactive to purchases made on or after April 9, 2008.

The Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (PMAR) today unveiled www.HOWNW.com, a unique public service website that acts as a comprehensive homeownership resource to homebuyers. HOWNW.com™ contains a searchable, multi-lingual database of homebuying programs available in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties

The Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (PMAR) is taking the lead on increasing homeownership rates in the region through their Regional Homeownership Opportunities Summit, held June 5th at the Ambridge Event Center, 300 NE Multnomah, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oregon is ranked only 44th in the nation in homeownership rates, with 65.7% of the population owning a home, according to a U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 study. For many working families, owning their own piece of the American Dream seems out of reach as homeownership costs continue to outpace income levels.

The Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors® Million Dollar Club named Craig Reger, The Hasson Company, their 2008 Broker of the Year at their May 19th membership luncheon. Managing principal broker Yvonne Davis, RE/MAX Equity Group, Inc., was named the Million Dollar Club’s 2008 Managing Broker of the Year.