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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 8, 2007 Housing activity begins to stir 'We're definitely seeing an increase in activity' By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune There are signs that Rogue Valley real estate is poised for gains come springtime: The number of existing single-family residences sold during a three-month period ending Feb. 28 increased slightly to 411 from the 403 units during a similar period a year earlier. During the three months ending Feb. 28, Ashland saw a 36 percent increase in sales of existing homes over a similar period a year earlier. The median price on those sales edged up 1.3 percent to $405,000. Jacksonville residences sold during the quarter ending Feb. 28 turned over in 67 days versus 95 a year earlier. West Medford's median sales price also saw modest growth to $221,000. "We're definitely seeing an increase in activity," said Sandy Royce of Royce Real Estate in Ashland. "Compared to last year, there's considerably a lot more buyer activity. In talking to title company people, I'm hearing that, too." Southern Oregon Multiple Listing Service reported this week the median price — with half of the transaction selling for more and half less — for existing Jackson County houses fell 8.9 percent to $255,000 during a rolling three-month period. Real estate appraiser Roy Wright, who has tracked market since the 1970s, pointed out that west Medford activity grew by 12 percent in February compared to a year earlier. Advertisement "Inventories remain above last year, but are showing a steady decline as a percentage (of the market)," Wright said. "If the trends continue, and I believe they will, by the end of April, sales volume will exceed last year's and inventories will be below the previous year." While the median price for new houses in east Medford and Central Point have declined dramatically during the rolling three-month period, countywide the median price rose 4.6 percent to $319,000. In Ashland, the median new construction climbed to $467,000. "Last year we saw people change their minds, usually prior to the removal of contingencies," Royce said. "It was definitely a buyer's market, but it's definitely a stronger market now." Jackie Adams with ERA Prestige Homes said she encountered one home in the $400,000 range in the Larson Creek area where there were competing offers, something she hadn't seen in about two years. "There were three offers written and a fourth buyer wanted an offer written," Adams said. "That puts the seller in the driver's seat." Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or at [email protected] Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary