Positive outlook for Tri City home sales in 2010

Home sales in the Tri Cities was strong during the last quarter of 2009, and January of 2010 started out on a very positive note with average home prices up from 2009. January 2009 showed an average of $184,025, and January 2010 showed $195,703 for average home prices. First-time homebuyers have contributed greatly to those numbers because of the $8,000 tax credit that was extended through April 30, 2010. The Tri-Cities housing market has been stronger than most other communities in the nation and we are hopeful that this trend will continue. The area’s foreclosure rate was 0.5 percent in comparison to the rest of the our nation where the rate is 2.1 percent. Steady home prices, interest rates and a stable economy here in the Tri-Cities makes for a bright outlook for 2010.