The pace of sales of existing homes in the U.S. rose 5.1 percent in February, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Jessica Forres spoke with some local real estate agents about what's motivating buyers to get back in the market...



In Takoma Park, Maryland, Andrew Eisel, a real estate agent, greets two prospective buyers who’ve showed up for his Open House…

[ NAT: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ROOM SIZES]

He’s optimistic the home will sell. He says that’s because the buyers are back…

SIX MONTHS AGO I WASN’T SEENING A LOT OF ACTIVITY. I HAD ONE LISTING AND NO BUYERS AT THAT TIME AND RIGHT NOW, I’VE GOT A FEW MORE LISTINGS THAT I DID AND I’VE GOT FOUR ACTIVE BUYERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING.

Beth Dudrow is touring the brick Colonial with her husband. They stopped looking for houses a year ago because prices were too high. She says that’s changed.

PRICES SEEM TO BE COMING DOWN AND WE’RE TOLD THAT SOME OF THESE HOUSES CAN BE BOUGHT FOR LESS THAN WHAT THEY’RE LISTING AT…

At another Open House in Silver Spring, Maryland, Russell Carlson is looking at a 2 bedroom white, bungalow listed at 350,000 dollars.

He says the price is right for him.

I WOULD HATE TO BUY AND HAVE IT DROP BY ANOTHER 25 PERCENT BUT I DON’T SEE THAT HAPPENING.

Neither does Michele Topel, the listing agent. She says there’s a window of opportunity for buyers now, especially with new tax incentives and historically low interest rates.

I WOULD PREDICT THAT WHAT WE’RE GOING TO SEE AT THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER ARE SOME HOPEFULLY SOME STRONGER NUMBERS IN THE WASHINGTON, DC REGION.

Regionally, existing - home sales jumped a little over 6 percent in February, but that is still down 11.2 % from the same time period last year.

Jessica Forres WAMU