Let’s make a housing deal

It appears that the National Association of Realtors is on the cusp of a major legislative victory as the Senate debates President Obama’s stimulus bill.

In October, NAR put forth a four-point plan to stimulate home sales as a foundation of any economic recovery plan, built around a 4.5 percent interest rate for buyers and refinacings and a permanent $7,500 tax credit.

But today, Republican senators are leading a drive to cut that rate to 4 percent. And some would like to double the tax credit.

It sounds promising, but … some feel that rates are already low enough at 5.3 percent to lure buyers into the market.

Your thoughts? Will a 4 percent rate jumpstart the housing market, and thus the national economy?