The residential real estate market in Lewis County and across Western Washington continued an upward swing in August, according to a monthly report by Kirkland-based Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

    Throughout Western Washington, pending home sales jumped nearly 21 percent from a year ago and inventory dropped more than 18 percent, according to the new figures.

    In Lewis County, pending sales are up 18.3 percent from last year and listings are down nearly 8 percent. Windermere Real Estate broker Max Vogt said the report is a positive indicator for the industry locally.

    “What’s happening, though, is prices are down but sales are up,” he said.

    The average price of a home in Lewis County is currently $175,593, according to the report.

    “The prices they are offering now are coming back to where they sell quickly,” Vogt said.

    While the data are clear, Vogt said he isn’t certain of why the upturn is occurring. He said it could be because USDA loans are resulting in sales and banks are becoming more reasonable in extending credit.

    He said he expects home prices to climb again as soon as next spring, bringing back somewhat of a seller’s market.

    In August, 153 homes were newly listed for sale in the county, compared with 157 in July. That makes 792 houses in Lewis County available for sale, according to the report.

    There were 71 pending sales — those in which an offer is made and accepted, but the deal hasn’t yet closed — as of the release of the monthly report. In July, that figure was 90.

    The number of home sales closed in Lewis County in July was 61, two less than July but up dramatically from last year.

    “We’re really happy with what’s happening here,” Vogt said.

    The Northwest Multiple Listing Service tracks activities in 19 counties in western and central Washington. The NMLS is owned by its member brokers.

    Eric Schwartz: (360) 807-8245