New housing starts down 62 percent in Hall Co.; home sales reportedly up

GAINESVILLE - Permits issued for new, single-family homes in Hall County were down 62 percent the first quarter of the year compared to a year ago, but home sales are reportedly up.

Figures released Friday by Hall County Building Inspection Services reflect the slump in housing that continues across the country.

The office reports that 29 permits were approved in March, bringing the year-to-date total to 125. That includes 70 in February and 26 in January.

Compare that with 2007, when there were 108 issued in March, 126 in February and 94 in January.

Realtors report, however, that home sales on the rebound and that the Gainesville area may have seen the worst of the slump.