Don't procrastinate, use the tax credit now.

Start your house search now. Getting an early start will give you a better chance of finding the right house before the credit deadline.

When first-time buyers thought that the credit would expire Nov. 30, people scrambled to find properties in September and October.

Before you start house hunting, get preapproved for a mortgage, and do a realistic assessment of what you can afford.

Buyers who have to sell an existing home should price it aggressively from the beginning to drum up interest and get a buyer as soon as possible.

Don't count on another extension.