Opportunity is knocking for those considering homeownership for the first time, and now also to current homeowners! 

The $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers is being extended, and the deal is being sweetened: Now existing homeowners can get $6,500 from the government if they buy another house.

Congress approved the $10.8 billion tax break Thursday, and the president signed it into law on Friday, November 6th.

The $8,000 incentive for first-time buyers has been in effect since January, but it was due to end Nov. 30. Now buyers have until April 30, 2010 to sign a purchase contract and until June 30, 2010 to close escrow.