The end of July was yesterday, so while we wait for the sales to be recorded, here's a question.

If the government wants to give you (Mr. or Ms. First-Time Homebuyer) $8,000 with no particular strings attached, why aren't you taking it?

All you have to do is close on a home by Dec. 1 of this year and get free money.

But, you complain, there's nothing in Summit County that I can afford.

Wrong.

If you put only the $8,000 tax credit down, you have 5 percent down on a $160,000 purchase.

Right now, there are 90 properties priced under $200,000 for sale in Summit County.

But, you might protest, what if prices go down? Well, they did this year, and owners are still beating the stock market.

An example: If you bought a Dillon Valley East condominium in 1998, your property is worth 57 percent more than you paid. S&P 500 stock lost 38 percent in the same time.

What are you waiting for? Here's a huge tax credit, the lowest interest rates in history, and prices at 2007 levels.

Dec. 1 is 120 days away. Don't say you didn't get the memo.

There were a total of 2,670 properties listed for sale last week. Go buy one.

Chuck Leathers, CRS, broker/owner of Chuck Leathers Real Estate Co., is a full-time Summit County Realtor since 1985. His website is www.chuckleathers.com and he can be reached at (888) 485-2300 or e-mail him at ChuckLeathers @Realtor.com.