Somehow, the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers is getting all of the attention, meaning that most people don't even know about the $6,500 tax credit available to you if you've lived in your home for five years.

If you have owned your home for five or more years, you will (almost certainly) receive a $6,500 tax credit if you buy your next home by April 30th, 2010.  To clarify -- you must have a contract on the house by April 30th and close by June 30th.

Many people that I talk to who would be eligible for this $6,500 tax credit don't even know that it exists.  If you're in this situation and planning to buy a new house in 2010, you really ought to consider making a move in the first four to six months of the year. 

Click here for more information (from the IRS) about both tax credits.

Again, to try to really drive this point home:  If you've owned your house (and lived in it) for more than five years, you are very likely eligible for a $6,500 tax credit if you buy a new home by the spring/summer.