CBHPR-HBL May 2014 | Page 15

Add Instant Curb Appeal With A Trip To Diamond! 2380 So. 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR   •    ph: (541) 885-3535 Housing Market Picks Up- (cont. from pg 14) The new Pheasant Run subdivision off Homedale Road and Amberview Lane recently had a tour of new homes built by Bend contractor Pahlisch Homes. It’s a significant boost of new homes for the community, and several are under contract for sale, too, Haskins said. About 40 people toured the homes recently, so the interest is there. (Pahlisch is offering an open house viewing every Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.) Average prices up For March, 54 homes sold in the Basin compared to 45 a year ago. Pending sales total 123 compared to 119 a year ago. While the average days on the market is up to 158 compared to 108 last year, sellers and buyers are fairly close to what each wants in the market. The average sales price year to date is $141,117 — up about $12,000 over last year — while the median or middle range of all sales is $125,950. “People are pushing the value of their homes a little bit to see what the market is, and that’s OK,” said Haskins. The type of homebuyer runs the gamut, from retirees moving to the area, to first-time homebuyers, to upscale professionals, he said. “It’s a good time to buy since rates are around 4.25 percent, depending on credit score — and we’re seeing quite a few USDA loans for first-time buyers,” he said. A family of four qualifies for the loan — which waives the down payment — if they earn $74,750 per year or less. For a family of five, the limit is $98,650. Year to date, there have been 148 homes sold, only two less than last year. “So we’re holding steady compared to last year,” Haskins said. Homes, Business & Land • South Central Oregon For weekly updates go to: homesbusinessandland.com • Landscape wall, pavers, stepping stones & more. • Garden tools for any project. • Fresh plants delivered weekly. • May 2014 | 15