Higher home sales reported locally

September house sales in Jefferson County were up dramatically from August and September 2008. Real estate agents are crediting the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit which runs until midnight Dec. 1.

In 2009, 95 homes were sold, which is a 43.9 percent increase over the 66 sold in September 2008. But it’s down from 106 homes sold in September 2007.

Year-to-date numbers are still behind the pace a little, too. Through September, 583 homes sold in 2009 through September, compared to 695 in 2008 and 861 in 2007. (You can check all the housing statistics here.)

Real estate agents agree the tax credit has been a great motivator to buy now.

“The tax credit is a huge help,” said Patrick J. Henry, associate broker and office manager at Christensen RealtyUSA.com, Clayton. “But the thrill of being a homeowner is what motivates people to purchase a home.”

He also credited stability in the mortgage rate and mortgage-friendly local lenders with the uptick in sales.

So, considering the high sales in September, will the tax credit be an artificial stimulant for the housing market – a la Cash for Clunkers? Or will the insulating force of Fort Drum once again have its effect so that there will continue to be a consistent turnover of homes as military families move in and out?