Nationwide Open House Weekend April 10-11, 2010: What To Know Open House Info or Homes For Sale In Your Neighborhood? Go To http://ping.fm/LHhLi

Home sales activity surged in Illinois over the last five months spurred by the tax credit and the strong buyer-market conditions. In January, sales increased 14 percent statewide and 29.2 percent in the nine-county Chicagoland Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties).

Time Is Running Out:
According to the Internal Revenue Service, buyers who wish to qualify for the tax credit must sign a contract to purchase a home on or before April 30, 2010, but they have until June 30, 2010 to close on the home. Income limitations apply and the home purchased must be used as a primary residence with a purchase price not to exceed $800,000.