The local MLS board came out with April sales numbers today and they are looking much better than before.  Both Average and median home prices reached the highest levels since September 2008, and the sales volume was the second highest for 2009.  Although the season of the year does account for some of this up-ticking, however, overall April property sales fell 24.3 percent from a year ago and single-family homes fell 22.5 percent from one year ago. 

The single-family home median price held steady versus one year earlier.  Without foreclosures factored into the median home price, the price rose to $170,000.  The average price dropped 5.8% to $194,222.

Sales of foreclosed properties, which typically sell below market; continue to taper off.  In April 2009, foreclosures made up 23.6% of single-family home sales, compared to 34.0% in January, 28.0% in February, and 24.5% in March. 

In conclusion:The spring and summer seasons are typically the “hot” times of the year to buy a home.  Typically from March thru September.  Yes home prices are down about 20 percent from one year ago, but the world is not comming to an end as the national media would like you think it is.  Houston has always come out on-top thanks to the petro-chemical industry. 

If you are looking to buy…do it NOW!  As you can read things are turning around.  Prices will only go higher.  Interest rates are low, low 4%-High5% range.  BUY, BUY, BUY.