Improving Real Estate Sales: What Will It Take?

What will it take to get consumers off the sidelines to buy more houses and help stimulate the economy?

How about a mortgage at a 2.99 percent fixed rate for 30 years for anyone who purchases a home before July 1? Or how about a non-repayable federal tax credit of 10 percent of the home price up to $22,000?

Would enticements like these be sufficient to shift you into buying mode? Alternatively, if you preferred a plan that cost the Treasury less, would you go for a mortgage in the 4 percent to 5 percent range, fixed for 30 years, along with a $7,500 tax credit?

Though these may sound like wish-upon-a-star daydreams, some major housing groups are asking the incoming Obama administration to put hefty home buying incentives like these at the center of any national economic stimulus plan.

We'd love to get your feedback on this. Would any of these "real estate stimulus plans" entice you into the home buying mode of thinking? Sound off and tell us by clicking the comment link below. Your privacy is 100% protected, as no email addresses ever get published here by anyone commenting, even though it is needed to post your comment. We look forward to hearing from you on this…