The consumer-focused Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Event will encourage current buyers to stay in the market, while appealing to those who didn’t qualify for the federal tax credit due to income cap, price of home or time limitations. In a recent survey of Coldwell Banker Real Estate professionals, nearly half indicated that they had worked with homebuyers who would have missed out on the homebuyer tax credit in November of last year had it not been extended. In addition, 28 percent said that they feel the limitations of this credit prohibited some buyers from taking advantage of the credit.

Here’s how the Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Event works:

• Participating home sellers will offer a credit of 3% (up to $8,000) of their home’s purchase price to buyers who sign a contract before July 31, 2010
• Buyers will receive the credit at closing
• No closing date deadline

"We feel that this promotion is especially timely in Tampa," said Cathleen Smith, Regional Vice President of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Tampa Bay. "When the tax credit ended April 30, we didn’t miss a beat! I know of no other company that’s providing this type of program to drive business and help customers."

She adds, "Florida Association of Realtors reports that in March, over 2,700 homes were sold in the Tampa Bay metro area, which is a 21% increase from the same month last year. This sales event will keep our market moving in the right direction."

"The Buyer Bonus Sales Event will allow participating Coldwell Banker home sellers in Tampa to essentially extend the benefits of the credit," said Jim Gillespie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "Without restrictions such as household income caps, the Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Sales Event allows for greater participation for all homebuyers. And our sellers have a unique opportunity to allow their home to stand out from the competition in their marketplace."

Sellers’ benefits include:

• Participating listings will stand out from other homes because of the added incentive.
• National promotion including television commercials, extensive online advertising, updates on social media pages like Facebook, Twitter and Insight, and a video posting to the Coldwell Banker YouTube channel, On Location.

Consumers can find more information or on FloridaMoves.com or by contacting their local Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office.