There is a big "Open House" blitz this weekend to help people take advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit program before time runs out.
The November deadline is a few months away, but when you look at the big picture, you don't really have much time left.
You must complete the sale by November 30 in order to qualify for the tax credit.
The Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors or CABR says the stimulus package is stimulating home buying.
It gives first-time home buyers $8,000 of free money to help with the purchase of a new home.
"This has been a nationwide phenomenon, this $8,000 tax credit. It's been a blessing. It's a gift to home buyers," explained Gene Snavley, executive vice president of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors.
CABR and Price Hill Will have put together an open house blitz this weekend.
There will be over 2,500 open houses in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.
Price Hill Will is putting together its own open house blitz to target buyers.
"We're going to have nearly 50 houses open. All between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so people can take a look and stay in Price Hill when they're looking for a house, because the value here is fantastic," said Matt Strauss, of Price Hill Will.
In order to qualify, you must be a first-time home buyer or haven't owned a home in three years.
If you've been considering purchasing a home, realtors say the time to act is now.
"The reason we scheduled this early in the month is that it takes about 60 days to close a transaction. For persons who want to take advantage of this $8,000 tax credit, first-time buyers that is, they must close by November 30. Which means they ought to buy something in September," Snavley explained.
Price Hill Will says its office at 3724 St. Lawrence Avenue will open this weekend, so buyers can also learn more about other housing programs.
"The Housing Resource Center here in Price Hill can help people find out about how to apply for the tax credit and other down payment grants that are still out there," Strauss said.
