Home sales in the Central Texas housing market were up slightly in May, with a 2 percent gain over last year.  Sales of previously owned homes rose to 2,679 in May, which is a record for that month according to the Austin Board of Realtors.  Homes sold in an average of 55 days, which is an increase of 7 percent over May, 2006.  Year to date sales were flat, at 10,355 compared to a record year last year.  Even with the small increase for the month of May, the Central Texas market remains solid. 

Austin is continuing to experience exceptional job growth which is bringing relocation buyers from other parts of the country.  Samsung Electronics has just dedicated its newest chip factory, which has just completed construction, and will be open before the end of the year and employ about 700 workers.  Also, Moody's Economy.com ranked 379 cities based on current and prospective economic conditions and risk factors and Austin ranked first as the US city with the most vital economy.