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The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors says home sales are up.

About 550 homes were sold in the Capital City since July. Thats up from about 450 this time last year.

Sales are also up for the year. 2009 saw 90 more home sales than 2008.

And realtors point to the government's first-time homebuyer tax credit for the increase.

That credit of up to $8,000 has been extended until the end of April.

The credit is also now expanded to include current home owners who have lived in their house for five years.

Under the new credit, homes must simply be under contract by April 30. You don't have to close on the house until July.

The Homebuilders Association of Central Missouri says that is great news for mid-Missourians looking to build their dream home, unlike the first tax credit program.

"It basically benefited the people that had an existing home for sale because we didn't have much time to go in and plan one with somebody and construct a new home," says Homebuilders Association President Ken Otke.

Realtors also say this is a great time to list your home if you are ready to sell.

"There's less listing inventory, so there's a little bit less competition if you are going to be listing your home," says Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors President Beth McGeorge. 

"And then there is a higher demand this time of year with that tax credit being extended through the end of April. That doesn't give us a whole lot of Spring. So we're thinking that some people are going to take advantage of the winter market a little more than they normally do."

For those looking to take advantage of the extended tax credit, experts all say you need to first talk to your banker or lender and look at your finances and what home you really can afford.

Banks and bank regulators are more strict than ever on who they will lend to after the credit crisis that spurred the current recession.