INDIANAPOLIS – October housing statistics point to continued opportunities for buyers to take advantage of lower housing prices across Central Indiana , while a decrease in available inventory reduces competition among sellers, according to pended sales statistics compiled by F.C. Tucker Company.

“Contrary to perception, mortgage money is widely available and rates are quite good. Combined with a steady demand for housing, we are seeing the number of homes for sale in Central Indiana continue to drop,” said Donna Kreps, Executive Vice President of Tucker's Residential Real Estate Services Division. “Home buyers are still experiencing unprecedented opportunities throughout Central Indiana .”

Available homes for sale dropped 12.7 percent in October with 17,746 homes on the market, 2,582 fewer homes than in October 2007. Marion County experienced the grea test decrease in inventory at 18.5 percent.

Central Indiana homes are holding their value better than other real estate markets. The average year-to-date sales price for a home in the nine-county area was $145,779, 5.2 percent less than what was reported in October 2007. In comparison, the la test data from the National Association of REALTORS® reported the national average year-to-date sales price was 9 percent lower than the same period last year, as of September 2008.

Of the nine counties, Hancock County was the only one to experience an increase in homes sold in October, with a 23.8 percent increase in sales compared to the same time last year.

The average number of days on the market is 93 days, a 6.9 percent increase comparing year-to-date figures from 2007 and 2008. Hamilton County boasts the shor test amount of time – 83 days – for homes on the market through October 2008.