Home Sales Down, Prices Up in Jackson County, Ore.

Byline: Greg Stiles

Dec. 13--Sales of existing Jackson County single-family homes slowed in November, but average prices continued to climb.

The 166 urban units that turned over last month were the fewest in a November since 1998 when 157 exchanged hands. It was the least active month since February of this year when 126 units were sold.

"We found this year that a lot more expensive homes have been selling," says ReMax Idea Properties Inc. owner Bob Gervais.

Entry-level inventory continues to be problem, but low interest rates have allowed some people to cash out of their starter homes into larger ones.

"It all works together in a …