Arkansas Home Sales Jump In January

According to the latest state realtors report, January home sales in Arkansas leaped 14.6% compared to one year ago – a sign of rebounding consumer confidence.

The home sales increase was even more positive considering federal tax credits were stoking purchases last January.

"Sales occurring in January are reflective of purchase decisions being made during the holiday season and, when considered without the incentive of the home buyer tax credits, indicates that Arkansas consumers are becoming confident again," said Arkansas Realtors Association President Andy Meyers.

In addition to the boost in units sold, the valuation of those sales also jumped by 17%. Still, average home prices rose by a much smaller percentage – just 2% – to $140,063.

The top 5 county markets for home sales include:

Pulaski Co. (+2.8%)
Benton Co. (+40%)
Washington Co. (+42%)
Craighead Co. (+41%)
Saline Co. (+12.3%)

“While home prices in Arkansas are still sluggish, this was a solid month for home sales,” said Amy Glover Bryant, Director of Communications for the ARA.  “This report represents the second month in a row that the Arkansas real estate market has seen a positive uptick in sales and, while we are cautious about declaring it a market recovery, today’s report seems to represent that the market is finding some footing as consumer confidence, the economy and jobs slowly improve."

You can access the full report here.