Area homes sales begin to slow their descent, according to March data

The Hilton Head Island area posted its strongest home sales of 2009 in March, according to the latest data from South Carolina's Realtors association.

Last month, 146 homes sold in the eight-county region, 55 more than sold in February. That's still below March 2008 sales of 183 homes.

Jean Beck, executive vice president of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors, said Tuesday the southern Beaufort County market is improving.

"I'm sure you're all anxious for me to say it's booming," she told a group of hospitality officials Tuesday during a luncheon. "It's better."

That improvement is primarily the result of low interest rates, a new $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers and falling prices, she said.

The Hilton Head data include Beaufort, Jasper, Allendale, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton, Orangeburg and Bamberg counties.

The Beaufort area also posted its best month-over-month showing this year. The state association said 65 homes sold in that Multiple Listing Service area last month, only two fewer than the same month a year ago.

Matt Trumps, president of the Beaufort County Association of Realtors, said potential buyers are showing more interest. He said greater levels of national consumer confidence -- and perhaps better terms for local borrowers seeking loans over $417,000 -- would help clinch more sales.

"Prices have continued to fall, but people are starting to look again," Trumps said. "It will take a few more months before we really see if that leads to anything."