Rising Sales in Most States !

Rising Sales in Most States, and Rising Prices in Many Metros (at Last!)
by NAR Research Staff

There was good news for most states in the 4th quarter of 2009. Existing-home sales rose from the 3rd to 4th quarter in 48 states and the District of Columbia. In fact, 32 states experienced double-digit quarterly gains. On a year-over-year basis, resales were higher in 49 states and the District, with all but three posting double-digit annual increases.

According to the latest quarterly statistics released by NAR Research, total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 13.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.03 million in the fourth quarter - up from 5.29 million in the third quarter. Existing-home sales rose 27.2 percent from their 4th quarter 2008 pace of 4.74 million units. As a further sign of housing market stability, distressed properties accounted for 32 percent of fourth quarter transactions; that is down from

37 percent a year earlier

City Forms International Partnership with Guri City, Korea

On January 12, 2010, the City of Carrollton welcomed a special eight-member delegation from Guri City, Korea to formalize an International Partnership between the two cities. The intent of the International Partnership is to enhance international understanding and provide for mutually beneficial cultural, educational, tourism and economic development opportunities.

Honorable Mayor Youngsun Park, Mayor, Guri City and the Honorable Ronald F. Branson, Mayor, City of Carrollton participated in a formal signing ceremony to officially declare the International Partnership between the two cities, as members of the Korean delegation and Carrollton City Council looked on.

The ceremony began with the singing of the American and Korean National Anthems by Pastor Hyung Kon Paek, and an invocation from Pastor Young Ki Han, Disciple Baptist Church. This was followed by introductory remarks from Mr. Brad Mink, Director of Economic Development, City of Carrollton; and comments from both Mayors.

The Honorable Yun-Soo Cho, Consul General, Consulate General of The Republic of Korea was also on hand to offer congratulatory remarks; as was Mrs. Soon A. Pak, President, Korean Society of Dallas and Mr. Chan Pak, Carrollton Resident and Official City Ambassador to Korea.

The ceremony concluded with an official exchange of City flags and gifts, followed by a reception at Indian Creek Golf Club. This partnership formalizes the long relationship of good will between our two countries and is a tribute to the many Koreans who live, work, and do business in the City of Carrollton.