Fulfilled dreams of home ownership may be just a weekend away. Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11, Realtors across Western Washington are participating in the Nationwide Open House, a two-day event allowing homebuyers to conveniently visit multiple homes within a short period of time.
The program is modeled after last year’s successful Washington state program and the original 2008 Snohomish County-Camano Open House Weekend.
It arrives in time for first-time homebuyers to take advantage of the $8,000 federal housing tax credit that expires this year on April 30.
April 30 also marks the final opportunity for qualified repeat homebuyers to receive up to a $6,500 tax credit.
Cameron Fay, communications director of Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors, noted that “buyers who take advantage of the tax credit enjoy a huge, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
According to Fay, a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, with the home purchase completed by June 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit.
“If you’ve been sitting on the fence about purchasing a home, the tax credit is really a huge incentive,” she said.
The two-day Open House event provides a convenience factor for both homebuyers and Realtors. “It’s really a unifying kind of event with all the different offices, large or small, sharing the common interest of getting people into the home of their dreams,” Fay said.
RE/MAX Realtor Karen Schweinfurth encourages potential homebuyers to fit their tour around houses in their price category. Individuals can visit participating homes on their own or with an agent.
She also said the weekend provides a great opportunity to meet realtors and find one you are comfortable with and is a real professional.
Homes being showcased during the Nationwide Open House will display blue Realtor balloons.
Information about the tax credit program is available at www.WAHomeowners.com.
Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors
3201 Broadway, Suite E
Everett, WA, 98201
(425) 339-1388
www.sccar.com
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