National housing numbers show optimism on the market

NORTH LIBERTY- New numbers show a positive uptick in the nation's economic future. Last month alone, nearly five million US homes were sold.   Sales of existing homes in April were up ten percent from a year ago.  And those numbers also reflect a local push to buy homes.

Local experts say Eastern Iowa wasn't hit as hard as other regions, but still sales are up.  Anywhere in the country you can count on several reasons why you'll see more "sold" signs in front of homes in your neighborhood.  And it's especially true in growing communities where new sub-divisions feature condos and townhomes.

“This was the only walkout home on the block here and it had all these nice trees,” said North Liberty's Jim Wolfe.

A new place for North Liberty's Jim Wolfe to call home after spending 13 years in a large five bedroom home.

"Just wanted a smaller place and maybe cash in and take some equity out of the home we had,” said Wolfe.

Wolfe isn't alone as condos pop up and fill-up across Eastern Iowa.  Since the mortgage crisis, interest rates continue to plummet.  Whether it's a fixed or variable, buying new or re-financing has never been more attractive.  It's exactly what Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association's Joan Tiemeyer hoped would happen to motivate buyers.

"We're very happy to see our market growing again.  We went through that recession, but everybody seems to be busy and doing very, very well,” said Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association Executive Officer Joan Tiemeyer.

And that includes custom homes like this one almost ready for this weekend's Iowa City Area Parade of Homes.  It's good news for builders who took advantage of this year's mild winter and warm spring.  Now more "accepted offer" signs dot Eastern Iowa neighborhoods.

"There looking for affordable housing quality construction, they're also looking for good neighborhoods,” said Tiemeyer.

We spoke with one homeowner who says she couldn't sell her home, so opted to rent out that property.  But with optimistic numbers nationally, she's still hoping to sell her home this summer.  For more information about the Iowa City Area Parade of Homes

click here.