The latest market statistics for March 2009 are out and do we see a glimmer of hope?  Notice as compared to last year sales are down and prices are down (no big news there).  But, comparing month to month for 2009, home sales were up as well as pending sales!  Also, new listings increased.  That, of course, is typical for Spring-time.  Housing inventory dropped to the lowest point since October 2008.  I believe the $8000 first-time homebuyer credit for both 1^st-time buyers and those not having owned a home in three years (see my earlier blog on FAQ’s regarding the First-Time Home Buyer Credit) has contributed to this upswing, as well as short-sales and foreclosed properties reaching that “sweet spot” in the pricing continuum!!

Click here for the market stats:  http://www.rmlsweb.com/temp%2Fdocuments%2F1500-1699%20Market%20Action%20and%20Statistics%20Menu%2F1503%20Market%20Action%20-%20March%202009%2FPortland%20Market%20Action.pdf