Sales and availability of housing in Lewis County were up last month compared to last year’s numbers, according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service report released on Monday.

    Finalized residential sales were up to 48 from 41 in September of last year, and pending sales increased by more than 17 percent, from 68 to 80, according to the report.

    Though the total number of active listings declined slightly, things are looking up for the housing market, said Tom Jones, a five-year realtor with Coldwell Banker-Kline and Associates in Centralia.

    “I’m encouraged — interest rates are still good, selection is good, and buyers are more motivated,” Jones said. “I think we’re seeing a big turn around.”

    It may not be the market it was three years ago, he said, but he’s seeing multiple offers on single properties for the first time in years.

    The median price of residences dropped by more than 4 percent, ending at $167,500 in September, according to the report.

    Lewis County also beat out Cowlitz, Clark and Thurston counties in total pending and closed sales as compared to last year, according to the report.

    Jones said price drops led to a buyer’s market over the past year, and he expects more good news in the coming months.

    “It’s definitely going to take some time,” he said. “It may be months and months, but I’ve seen housing get very busy lately, even in the past couple weeks.”

Andy Campbell: (360) 807-8208