Rise and shine! Abilene dawns healthy housing market

ABILENE - Sales of existing homes in second quarter 2016 proved strong and profitable in Abilene.

According to information provided by the Abilene Association of Realtors, 651 single-family homes were sold in 2Q 2016, a 3.8 percent increase over second quarter 2015. The median price over the same time period grew 8.4 percent to​​ $159,900.

"Abilene is at a good place at a good time," said Scott Senter, president of Senter, Realtors in Abilene. 

"Growth in the medical area, Texas Tech, the military (in general), and retirees moving to town to be closer to family, all contribute to the market doing as well as it has."

Senter said the "sweet spot" for homebuyers is in the $200,000 price range, plus or minus $30,000.

Penny and Carl Pulsifer purchased their home in south Abilene in May. ​They were able to purchase their four-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2,350-sf home for $265,000 on a 30-year fixed mortgage at a 3.1 percent interest rate.

"We anticipate the trend to continue in 3Q and beyond," said Senter, who said his group currently sells between 15 percent and 18 percent of the residential market. "Interest rates are staying down, and inventories are fairly tight, although that may not be true next year with the building of two projected subdivisions slated to build houses priced in the ‘sweet spot.’"

There are currently 442 real estate agents in Abilene; that figure is up from less than 300 a few years ago, Senter said.