Local Housing Sales Top National Rise

By Greg Wilson

     While existing home sales nationwide rose 7.2 percent in July, exisiting home sales in the Anderson area were up 9.1 percent according to Western Upstate Multiple Listing Service records.

     The National Association of Realtors said 5.24 million homes sold last month. That’s more than the 4.89 million sold in June and the 4.99 million sold in July 2008.  The Anderson area sold 227 residental properties in July vs 208 June.

     “The housing market has decisively turned for the better,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales.”