Banks make it nearly impossible to obtain $8,000 tax credit

From the New York Web site: November 30 is just around the corner, when a first-time homebuyer must
close on the purchaser of a residence to qualify for the $8,000 tax
credit. The tax credit law requires the buyer to close on their
purchase, not just be under contract for a purchase of the residence.  

The tax credit is actually equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum credit of $8,000.

First-time
homebuyers are eligible for the credit if they have not owned a
principal residence for three years prior to the purchase. The credit
phases out between $75,000 and $95,000 for singles and $150,000 to
$170,000 for married couples filing jointly.