In an effort to encourage people to buy new homes, an open house weekend has been created to show buyers what’s available on the market.

And the doors are standing wide open today, said Donna Raines, Covington County Board of Realtors president, as the group participates in the National Open House weekend event for the third year in a row.

This year, more than 25 local houses will be featured, she said.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is or thinks they might be wanting to buy a house,” Raines said. “It’s a big day for buyers to go and see what’s out there.”

Raines said the featured homes’ price ranges vary.

“We’ve got everything from the expensive to inexpensive,” she said. “There is something for everyone, in the price range anyone would want – and we have information on hand to help you figure out how to pay for that perfect new home.”

Raines said doors to the homes will be open from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. today, and an agent will be on hand at each home.

“There will be signs in the yard and directional signs showing where the houses are,” she said. “Most Realtor offices will also have a flyer on the door with directions to the homes, as well.”

The homes are located throughout Covington County, she said.

“You’ll find them in Andalusia, Opp, Florala and all points in between,” Raines said.

Homes can be viewed at www.usamls.net/covington as well as in the ad on Page 2A of today’s Star-News edition.