Home starts up over last year

The local housing market outlook might be brightening.

Home starts rose from six in May 2007 to eight last month, according to a monthly report issued by the Home Builders Association of Cherokee County.

Housing prices also were up compared to the same month a year ago. Housing prices rose a whopping $43,000, from $98,000 in May 2007 to $141,000 last month.

The report cited an increase in custom-built homes, rather than spec homes.

"So, when most of your new home permits are for move up or custom homes, that will yield a higher average value, as the spec and lower end market dries up," the report said.

The housing market in the city remained unchanged - no new home starts in May 2008 or in May 2007

A $100,000 permit to renovate the Kangaroo Express station on West Floyd Baker Boulevard was the largest commercial permit issued by the city last month.

The largest commercial permit issued by the county was for the new Dollar General store on Hwy. 11 valued at $280,000.

The mobile home sector remained brisk last month with 51 moving permits. Of that total, 27 were for new units and 24 were for relocating existing mobile homes.