A result of this shift is that more buyers can qualify for mortgages.

The buyer of a model financed over five years would qualify for the same interest rate on a new vehicle bought within those five years.

A false lead could tie up a home for weeks before the seller finds out the buyers cannot qualify for the necessary loan.

Without the abatement, buyers can qualify for loans of only 150 to 175 percent of their incomes.

Some agencies are negotiating terms with sellers to enable buyers to qualify for larger mortgages.

Under these programs, sellers agree to put up a set amount of money when they list with the agencies to help buyers qualify for mortgages.

Mortgage counselors are playing an increasingly important role in helping buyers find the most suitable loan and qualify for it.

They also may not try to determine if buyers can qualify for a mortgage.

First-time buyers will qualify for an additional $600 payment in a pro-gram that ends Sept. 30.

"It takes forever to get buyers qualified," he said.