"With the economy slowly improving, home buyers - investors and first-time buyers alike - took advantage of affordable interest rates and made a push to close escrow by the end of year," said C.A.R. President LeFrancis Arnold, in a release. "Robust sales over the past few months signal the housing market is treading above water on its own in the first full year without the government stimulus that has helped housing in the last couple of years." 

Sales were definately up in Fresno County last year, over the past couple of years, but prices still continue to decrease.  Sales in December were up over 14% compared to December of last year, while prices were down over 3% compared to the same time last year.  Not great news for existing homeowners, but fantastic news for current home buyers, expectially with the exceptional interest rates today.  (I remember my first home purchase in the early 80's at 14% interest. In looking back, don't know how we did it.)

Added: Thursday, January 19, 2012 4:24:03 PM