N.C. bucks the trend
Existing home sales in the state held steady last month, despite what appears to be a national slowdown of the housing market.
And, year-to-date, N.C. existing home sales were 6 percent above those posted during the first eight months of 2005, the N.C. Association of Realtors is reporting.
Statewide, 13,582 homes sold in August, and total sales for the month trumped $2.98 billion, the realtors group reports. The average sale price for an existing home was up 1 percent last month, to $219,446.
More than 96,600 homes have been sold this year, the realtors report, with the average sale price up 3 percent during the past eight months.
Jacksonville, Catawba Valley and Brevard lead the state in positive growth of total sales dollars, while the largest year-to-date price appreciation was seen in Pinehurst, according to a news release from the association.
Coastal buyers take note: Hot sales areas are cooling off when it comes to pricing and sales totals. A number of coastal regions saw a downturn in total sales dollars - some posting reductions of as much as 50 percent.