Another auto dealership is receiving a spit shine.Fort Wayne Nissan-Infiniti, 4909 Lima Road, is in the midst of a $2 million renovation that includes a 7,000-square-foot addition, featuring a new customer lounge with flat-screen TVs,Existing-home sales continue to fare well this year, based on figures from the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors.
The group Wednesday reported a 9.2 percent increase in the total number of homes through March, compared with the first three months of 2009.
It also noted the average sale price this year is nearly $13,000 higher than in 2009.
The group tracks sales through its Fort Wayne Area Multiple Listing Service, which includes Allen, Whitley, Huntington, Adams, Wells, DeKalb and Noble counties.
Ironically, the increases in house sales and prices come at a time when consumers are cutting back on what they’re willing to spend on a home.
The annual Parade of Homes in autumn was canceled partly because builders don’t believe there’s a large market for high-end houses.
So the Home Builders Association is focusing on the Town & Country New Home Tour, which will take place from noon to 6 p.m. April 24 and 25 and May 1 and 2. Prospective homebuyers can browse 35 houses, 13 villas and three subdivisions during the weekend home tours.
Nationally, home sales have been on the decline since November despite the federal government’s steps to back the housing industry through tax credit programs aimed largely at first-time buyers.
Jim Torres, president of the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors, said buyer activity in March and April “has been extremely active.”
“I would imagine with the incentive deadline looming at the end of the month it’s made many people get off the fence,” he said. “It’s been pretty favorable.”
