There were 137 home sales in February, according to the First Multiple Listing Service, a data services provider for real estate professionals. The total may increase, as not all sales are immediately reported.
That's down slightly from 140 sales reported in January and 150 in February 2010.
The average sales price last month was $195,326, compared to $196,264 in January. February saw 501 new listings, up from 460 in January. So far this year, 277 homes have sold, an increase from 262 at this point last year.
Real estate agent Sharon Chubb of Re/Max Town and Country in Towne Lake said potential sellers are still afraid to put their homes on the market, as they're "under the impression that their homes are undervalued."
She noted both potential sellers and buyers also are worried about their job security.
"It's still very scary for people to make that transition," she said of placing homes on the market.
Scott Crockett, owner of Andrews & Crockett of Canton, said business also continues to be slow for home remodeling.
The abundance of news stories about the housing market, he added, may play a role in the conscience of consumers.
"When the news seems to get better, things seem to get better," he said.
Ms. Chubb said sales could turn around when the number of foreclosed and short-sale properties in neighborhoods decline.
When people begin to notice that, she said, they will in turn become more confident about the likelihood of getting a good return on their home.
At least one neighborhood in Cherokee County isn't experiencing a slow down.
Sales are "fabulous" at Soleil Laurel Canyon, the active-adult community off Reinhardt College Parkway/Highway 140 in Canton, said Mike Kinsey, new home consultant for the neighborhood.
Traffic to the sales center is up, and so far this year, there have been 13 closings and six contracts completed, as compared to just three of each at this time last year.
The attitude of prospective buyers coming into Soleil is "good," he said.
"I think it's going to be pretty hot for the spring season," he said.
Ray and Arlene Wright are new residents of Soleil, which they chose to be close to family members who live in Cumming.
"We fell in love with the location," Mrs. Wright said, adding Canton is ideal as it's close both to the mountains and Atlanta.
Mrs. Wright said the welcoming atmosphere in Aiken, S.C. was something they thought couldn't be duplicated anywhere else.
"I think we've found it here in Soleil," she said. "The people here are great. It's just a very warm, caring place."
The couple still faces one dilemma: they've been unable to sell their home in Aiken, S.C.
"Until the market loosens up, we are still in a holding pattern," Mrs. Wright said.
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