The $8K home-buyer tax incentive is a great opportunity... and lawmakers are making it easier and easier to attain. Home loans between $417K and $730K are in a new "sub-jumbo" category that's now eligible for the $8K incentive. Also, sub-jumbo interest rates have been nudged slightly lower than those of jumbo loans. This sub-jumbo tax incentive deal is only valid through the end of this year, so plan accordingly. Good time to buy or refinance?Real estate properties are very affordable, and interest rates are very low... Tax incentives are the icing on the cake, making home ownership something worth considering. It's as simple as this: the government wants you to buy and own real estate. The financial mess will drag on until consumers regain confidence, so these tax incentives are designed to give you one more good reason to invest. No matter your politics, it's simply a smart time to get a good deal on a New York apartment. Right now!