Ozarks home sales buck national slowdown trend

by Vera-Jane Goodin

SBJ Contributing Writer

Home sales might be down slightly nationally, but the Ozarks is bucking the trend, according to local real estate professionals.

"The year-to-date closed sales are up 11 percent. That's good news," said Tom Barnett, general manager of Jones & Company.

"The number of listings are about the same as last year at this time, with slightly fewer residential. The product mix is fabulous. If an individual wants a new home, he can find it. It is a wonderful time to buy a home. Interest rates are slightly greater than 7 percent, and there are all kinds of creative programs to get people into the home of their choice," Barnett said.

Nationally, home sales have fallen somewhat. In February, new single-family home sales fell 2 percent