Housing starts decline in March - again

The housing market slowed here during the first quarter of the year.

As compared to the same period a year ago, new housing starts decreased by six from January to March, according to a monthly report issued by the Home Builders Association of Cherokee County.

Housing starts in March contributed to the trend. There were seven new homes starts in Cherokee County in March - down three from the same month a year ago.

But the news isn't all bad. Housing prices were up about $5,000 from $105,742 in March 2007 to $110,614 last month.

The housing market in the city also showed a dip from one new home start in March 2007 to no new home starts last month.

A $10,500 permit for window replacements at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church was the largest commercial permit issued by the city last month.

The largest commercial permit issued by the county was for damage repairs at Connecticut Village valued at $3,800.