MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Midstate is in the midst of a housing boom. Like the rest of the country, Middle Tennessee took a hit when the housing market crashed. Realtors say the market is finally turning a corner and showing signs of a consistent, steady growth. Last year marked the first time since 2007 that home sales in the Greater Nashville area topped 26,000. Realtors say low unemployment and low interest rates are helping drive the real estate rebound. "For Sale" signs in the Victory Point subdivision aren't up for long.

"If this house is on the market for 30 days it will probably be a surprise," says Realtor Michael Osborne.

Osborne says since December home sales have picked up significantly.

"We're probably up 20% year over year," says Osborne. "Just for January and February. You're seeing close to 400 closings just first couple of months this year already."

It's not just Rutherford County.

"The growth in this region is just amazing and I don't see any stopping it," says the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors' Price Lechleiter.

According to GNAR, December home sales were up 20% over last December, marking the 9th consecutive month with home sales of over 2000. Last year was the first time since 2007 that year-end home sales exceeded 26,000.

"For us to be growing month to month for the last 17-18 months," says Lechleiter. "We're really excited about that."

Realtors say low interest rates, low unemployment and pent up buyer demand are factors helping the housing market rebound in Middle Tennessee.

"You're seeing pent up people who have been renting for the last 3 or 4 years that realize and understand they can own a home close to what they're paying for rent," says Osborne.

"I'm 59 years old and the interest rates now are same as when I was born," says Lechleiter.

Realtors say it's not the housing boom we saw before the recession, but the market is turning a corner.Midstate Housing Sales Bouncing Back in a Big Way - Erika Lathon