We win again!

You have probably read by now, that the deadline to extend the tax credit was extended in the 11th hour to Sept. 30. This is not an extension that allows buyers to gain a credit by buying before then, instead it protects those who had accepted offers by April 30 from losing the credit because transaction complications delayed their closings. Those in a panic over losing their dreams of owning a home can heave a sigh of relief.

More than 250,000 Realtor members contacted their legislators to press for the passage of this extension. Although it is a disappointing 20 percent of members it still proves that it takes action to get reaction.

Of course the National Association of Realtors was instrumental in lobbying in Washington, D.C., until the measure passed. But we also were supported by the National Association of Home Builders and the Mortgage Bankers Association. CNBC referred to the influence exerted on the House as "The one-two-three punch of Realtor, Builder, Banker." The three associations spent $5.5 million in lobbying efforts in the first quarter of this year. It is estimated that the passage of this bill will prevent up to 180,000 homebuyers from losing the credit no doubt causing many of those pending sales to fail.

Another measure mentioned here last Sunday and also passed by the House June 30, is the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act. This extension too is through September and will enable pending sales of homes within the 100-year flood plain to close. Many sales of these homes had been delayed since the April 30 expiration of the act. Lenders will not loan on homes without flood insurance.

Even though reports last week indicate that national pending home sales dropped 30 percent last month, it appears we have fared better locally. As of June 30 we are ahead of 2009's single family home sales by just over 40 percent. Although our average price remains around 8 percent below last year's, year-to-date average that is significantly less than the 14 percent drop the prior year. The drop still leaves us nearly flat for total dollar volume in single family homes.

As we have said before, all real estate is local. Unofficial Spokane reports say they are up too, just 24.5 percent. So it appears that locally we are outperforming the nation and our closest neighbors to the west. It is a long slow battle but it looks like we are winning.

Note: As you go about your holiday activities today and you see a veteran or active military member don't forget it's a perfect time to say, "Thank you!"

For a safe trip home, call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.

Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664 with your questions or commentary.