Here we are in February already! Where did January go?  Many buyers out there that qualify for the extended and new existing home buyer tax credit are probably thinking they have plenty of time to shop for and purchase a home before the deadline hits.  But home buying is a process that involves a lot more than just picking out a home.  On average it takes a buyer 4.1 months to be in the “active buying” stage of purchasing a home. That means going on showings with an agent and writing a purchase contract. Buyers spend an average of 16.7 months just getting to that active buying stage!! That includes shopping online, discovering their buying power (how much can I afford?) in today’s market and selecting an agent! Considering we have just 84 days until the required deadline for for having a home under contract to receive the tax credit, I would say it is time to start shopping!!! The CBSHOME.com website is a great place to start!