The U.S. Senate has voted to extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law today. (Read our previous posts about the credit.)

Two stories about the credit appeared in Vermont newspapers today: "Tax credit helps lift Chittenden home sales" (Burlington Free Press) and "Tax credit extension seen aiding Vermont home sales" (Times-Argus).

VHFA staff celebrated 25 years of service of two employees at this morning's staff meeting: Controller Tim Gutchell and Assistant Director of Homeownership Programs Jacklyn Santerre.

Congratulations, both!

A recent survey by bankrate.com revealed closing costs for home purchases in Vermont were the 48th lowest in the nation.

Researchers built the list by polling at least four lenders in each state, as well as the District of Columbia, asking for estimated closing costs on a $200,000 loan, assuming a 20 percent downpayment and good credit.

The numbers do not include taxes, and other government and escrow fees.

Using this data, Vermont's average closing cost was at number 48 on the list at $2,426, down from number 47 the previous year.

The top three:

The Public Assets Institute in Montpelier has published "State of Working Vermont 2009."

The report, which explores the recession's effects on the Green Mountain State, concludes, "Some hopeful signs suggest that the end of the recession is coming into view — that is, the overall economy is beginning to grow again instead of shrink.

"But for unemployed and under-employed Vermonters, the official end of the recession is not likely to mean a quick return to work."