A new home that is built during a given year is counted in that year's GDP, while the purchase of a previously owned house has already been counted in the GDP of the year it was constructed. In this way, only those residences that add to the overall housing stock count towards GDP.
For those who file an amended return, however, the period to receive a refund check will take 8-12 weeks. For efilers (e.g., those who file electronically) here is a refund cycle chart that gives target dates when either an electronic direct deposit or mailed paper check should be expected given a particular filing date.
What is the advantage of direct deposit vs. getting a check? Speed, security, and convenience. By e-filing and choosing direct deposit, the IRS expects to issue 9 out of 10 refunds within 21 days, as opposed to 4-6 weeks for a check in the mail. With a direct-deposited refund, you don't need to worry about your check getting lost in the mail, nor do have to go to the bank to deposit or cash it. You can even split a direct-deposited refund into 2 or 3 different accounts (unless you're using the optional Refund Processing Service to pay your TurboTax fees). Limitations