Tulsa-area home sales on uptick

By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer - 11/6/2009


After a rough August, Tulsa-area home sales improved significantly in September and came within two properties of matching total sales in September 2008.

In September, 1,057 properties changed hands, up 9 percent from August, according to the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors.

Total year-to-date sales now stand at 8,299, down 8.7 percent from the first nine months of last year.

September's performance reverses the 15.3 percent month-over-month sales dip recorded in August. Month-over-month sales had increased in June and July.

Harriet Dunham, president of GTAR, said Tulsa's relatively good economic conditions, low interest rates and the first-time homebuyer tax credit helped September's tally to rise.

"There are still first-time buyers out there using the tax credit," she said.

Congress approved legislation Thursday that would extend the tax credit. The bill was expected to be signed by President Barack Obama.

Pending contracts, which can be an indication of the next month's sales performance, were down slightly from August but still significantly higher than the number in September 2008.

Although the average sales price of $147,202 was down from both last month and last year, the median — the point at which half the sales are greater and half are lower — was significantly above both last month and last year at $128,036.

Dunham said home prices can also fall into seasonal cycles.

"Prices tend to go up a little this time of year," she said.



Robert Evatt 581-8447
robert.evatt@tulsaworld.com


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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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irwindale, Tulsa (11/6/2009 7:31:13 PM)
The near north area is the future. The quality of location to high volume roadways is the key. 1920's to 1980's homes with good lots.

Stratolifter, (11/8/2009 5:51:06 PM)
whatever you are looking to buy, do your "homework" (no pun intended) before buying a home located in an HOA (homeowner associations) and especially one with gates! those gates will NOT protect you from the problems (financial risks and liabilities) that lurk behind those gates! go to nohoa dot com, or ahrc dot com. get educated!!



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