Unfortunately, everyone is correct. It depends on the lender. I've been closing deals in about 45 days, which means you would have to find something and place the offer by next week. I do believe this credit will be extended. This is being discussed as we speak but no sure answer to the extension yet.

To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Home purchase occurs when closing is finalized.

It takes an average of thee to four weeks for loan processing, there are cases depending on the lender it can be done in a shorter time period. Quicker if you are paying cash.

That's hard to say because it depends on how long the lender can get the loan together. You have to close on the house by Nov. 30th. Loans can take on average 30 to 45 days to get together. Thanksgiving is the weekend before the deadline so that takes a few more days out of the equation.