This story has been corrected to reflect updated February home sales.

Staff Report
Published April 13, 2009

Home sales across the area ticked upward in March, and a new batch of first-time homebuyers indicates “consumer confidence is on the rise,” said Gettys Glaze, president of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service.

Last month, 568 homes closed in the region, compared with 417 in February, for a 36.2% increase.

The median sales price also increased 3% compared to February to $185,000 in March.

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors released its monthly housing report Friday, saying the numbers have led to “cautious optimism among industry leaders.”

“People are realizing the incredible selection and value in this market and making the smart decision to invest in real property,” Glaze said.

But sales are still down considerably from the same period a year ago. In March 2008, 752 homes sold, compared with the 568 last month. And the median price of homes a year ago was $197,500.