REALTOR® Nationwide Open House

REALTOR® Nationwide Open House — April 10-11

• REALTOR® Open House Poll: Are you hosting an open house during the REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend April 10-11? Send details to iarnews@iar.org.

The goal of the nationwide campaign is to increase consumer awareness of the benefits of buying a home, give sellers an opportunity to increase the exposure for their home for sale and spread the word about the expanded first-time homebuyer tax credit which ends April 30, 2010.

REALTOR® associations and members are encouraged to participate in the campaign, spread the word to the media and consumers and use the event logo in upcoming marketing materials. 

Key Messages

1. Take advantage of the tax advantages of buying a home

2. Advantages of owning your home

• Homeownership is an investment in your future.
• Homeownership offers immediate benefits and long-term value. It helps build wealth over the long term and has been shown to reduce crime, improve education and increase community involvement.
• For many people, now really is a good time to buy a home. Inventory is high, prices are down and mortgage rates are near 50-year lows. And right now, first-time buyers can qualify for up to $8,000 and current homeowners can qualify for as much as $6,500, but they must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010.
• Owning a home is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, providing both equity accumulation and tax benefits over time.
• Homeownership strengthens communities. Homeowners are more likely to be involved and engaged in local issues and move less frequently than renters. This helps prevent crime, improve childhood education and support neighborhood upkeep.
• Homeownership is an investment in your future. It offers immediate benefits and long-term value.
   

3. Benefits of using a REALTOR®