The stats are in! The stats are in! July 2009 was a blowout month for sales in the area with 890 homes sold* making July the best month for unit sales since August 2007. So, many were hoping that August would ride July's coat tails. Sadly, those folks were disappointed. Data released on Thursday from The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors showed:

Units sold: 775, -3.4% from 08/08

Pending sales: 988, +30% from 08/08

Active listings 5,692, -8.1% from 08/08

Average days on market: 93, -4.1% from 08/08

The economy continued to struggle in August in Iowa with more companies shedding jobs more plant closings and low dairy, corn, and soybean prices all taking their toll on Iowa's rural areas. It's no surprise then that unit sales could not get traction going into the fall. Pending sales are up however indicating most likely that buyers are rushing to get homes under contract in advance of the $8000 home buyer credit expiration on November 30th 2009. In a separate stat I read that 57% of the sales this year have been for home priced $160,000 or under, which, if accurate, means first time, entry level buyers and investors are really floating the boat in 2009.

*Source Des Moines Area Assocaition of Realtors