Realty professionals brace for rush to beat end of tax credit

The clock is ticking on the popular $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers with a Nov. 30 deadline fast approaching.

Local real estate professionals, including individuals who serve as closing officers on house sales, are expecting a rush of buyers in the next month. That rush is caused by the fact that home buyers may face what normally takes up to 60 days to close on a purchase.