Home prices in Wichita were up 1.58 percent in June compared to June 2008, according to First American CoreLogic and its LoanPerformance Home Price Index.
In May, home prices were up 1.64 percent over May 2008.
Only nines states, including Kansas, saw an increase in home prices in June compared with the year before. Most were in the Midwest.
Source: Wichita Eagle, by Dan Voorhis, Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Since it typically takes about two months to close on a house, prospective home buyers need to have a contract by about September 30 if they want the tax credit. Some in Congress are pushing for an extension, but nothing has been decided.
The looming deadline has set off a surge of first-time buyers and has even created bidding wars for homes in some parts of the country.
Source: Wichita Eagle, by Beccy Tanner, Monday, August 24, 2009
Wichita-area home sales tailed off slightly in July, down 59 units from a month ago and still about 14 percent off the 2008 pace.
The downturn surprised industry observers who expected sales to rise last month, driven by the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.
"Who knows?" said Roger Weast, president of Wichita's J.P. Weigand & Sons. "We knew July was down a little bit. Maybe it's the market."
Source: Wichita Eagle, by Bill Wilson, Friday, August 21, 2009