For the first time this year, more Fort Hood-area homes were sold in back-to-back months in 2009 than in 2008.

In August 2009, 245 homes were sold compared to 228 in 2008.

And in September of this year, 215 were sold compared to 186 last September.

In 2009 so far, the average home is selling for about $4,000 less than it was last year: $123,864 compared to $127,407.

According to Rodney Shine, operations manager at Shine Team Realtors in Harker Heights, the 1st Cavalry Division will begin returning in December 2009 and the market should begin seeing its effects by February 2010.

The Fort Hood-area encompasses Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Nolanville. The market here hit its lowest point in January; just 138 homes were sold.