EVERETT — Some 300 homes for sale in Snohomish County will be open for viewing this weekend, the third consecutive year local agents have banded together to show their offerings.
This year, they’ll have more company.
Homes throughout the nation will be part of a national open house Saturday and Sunday as buyers try to beat a deadline to qualify for a federal tax credit with their purchase. First-time buyers are entitled to an $8,000 credit and existing owners buying a different home can get a $6,500 credit if they make the deal by April 30.
“There are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for homeownership in our community,” Bruce McKinnon, president of the Snohomish County Camano Association of Realtors, said in a news release. “With home prices so low, many who were outpriced in years past will be able to afford the home they’ve had an eye on.”
Cameron Fay, communications director for the association, noted that last year, agents across the state held an open house because of the success of the one held in Snohomish County the previous year. This year, agents across the country have called the county association to see how it set up the open houses. As a result, a national event was established.
Fay said people interested in participating can go virtually anywhere they’re interested in living and find some homes to tour.
The Herald will print a special section on Thursday listing available homes. Agents will be available at the open houses to provide information on the homes.
Home sales were strong in March, largely because of people hoping to participate in the tax break. Home sales were up 68 percent last month from this time a year ago and pending sales were up 77 percent.
“Qualified home buyers have a lot going for them right now,” McKinnon said.
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