Roanoke home sales up over last year

Roanoke-area home sales rose 14% in April over last year, likely a result of buyers rushing to sign housing contracts in time to qualify for federal tax credits.

According to the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors®, 328 area homes were sold during the month, compared with 287 in April 2009. The average price of a house also rose, to $182,471, up from $176,964 in April 2009, the association said.