Area home sales increased by 4.1 percent in October compared to sales in September, according to the Chattanooga Association of Realtors.

In October 533 homes were sold in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, representing 7.9 percent growth over October 2008.

The homebuyer tax credit gave a much-needed boost to the American housing industry, said Nickie Schwartzkopf, president of the local Realtors association.

The median home price for October was $127,000, representing a decrease of 9.3 percent from this time last year and a 2.2 percent decrease from September.