We are happy to confirm that the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit has in fact been extended.

The tax credit, originally set up as a no-interest loan back in 2008, was converted this year as a full tax credit as part of the stimulus package for "first-time" buyers only.  The new law extends the tax credit to all sales up to April 30, 2010, and extends the credit to existing home owners as well.

According to the Associated Press, the House voted 403-12 in favor of the law granting the extension.

DEAR BENNY: Can you tell me what steps a board of directors/management company should take in the event a water-damage claim against the master policy is made by a condo owner? Should the board/management company investigate, take pictures of the damage, and stay actively involved throughout the claims process or merely turn the whole matter over to the insurance company and, in the event of litigation, its attorney? --Paul

DEAR BENNY: I live in Iowa while my sister and her husband live in Florida. We want to buy a home together in Florida. They will pay for 50 percent of the home and I will pay for 50 percent. We will all be listed on the deed. What is the best way to hold title to the property? It is our intent that should any of the parties involved die, anyone left should have a right to live there for the balance of their life. What is the best way to designate how the property transfers upon the death of the last party involved? --Mickey

Long-term rates rose again this week, the 10-year Treasury note and mortgages continuing the spurt that began last Friday, to 3.46 percent and just shy of 5.25 percent, respectively.

As always, economic optimism was the cause. In legitimate good news, retail sales rose in September, only 0.5 percent net of "Cash for Clunker" effects, but beat the forecast decline and have been stable for three months.

Whoopi Goldberg is downsizing. Well, it's hard to call a $2.8 classic colonial mansion a downsize. Especially since it's a move up, in terms of square footage, for her former NYC loft.

But the new home of The View co-host is a hefty $1-Million lower in price tag than her former digs.