Home sales rose 15% in the Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, Florida area, according to Florida Realtors...and why wouldn't it? Being the home of the Buccaneers, Busch Gardens and miles of white sandy beaches are only a few of the attractions in the area that bring tourists and potential homebuyers alike to the beautiful shores of Tampa Bay!

In a yearly comparison, the first quarter of this year showed that 6,580 homes were sold while only 5,721 were sold the first quarter of 2009, prices also fell 5% bringing the median home sales price to $133,800! Experts believe that many of the 'extra' home sales were a result of homebuyers rushing to take advantage of the low mortgage rates and Homebuyer Tax Credit that expired at the end of April.

However, the mortgage rates have remained around 5% and the sales price of homes is still a bargain, leading economists to believe that sales will continue at a steady pace.