10 midyear tax moves to make now

Yes, buying a home is a major life decision. Yes, banks are pickier about just who gets a mortgage nowadays.

But if you qualify, interest rates are at near-historic lows and there are lots of real estate bargains out there.

Homeownership offers many tax advantages. And although there's talk in Washington, D.C., about possibly cutting some of the tax perks of homeownership, that's not likely to happen soon. Even if homeowner tax breaks are eventually changed, they likely will be phased in over many years.

So if you're ready for a place of your own and have your financing in order, look for the perfect house and buy it this year so you can start enjoying it and its tax benefits.