The average price of a home sold in Norman last year was $154,616. Since 2002, housing prices have risen 4.5 percent in Norman.

The number of homes sold also has risen. Norman had nearly 2,500 homes sold in 2007 compared to 1,694 closings in 2002. Statewide, the average selling price for an existing home was just under $150,000.

The Oklahoma Association of Realtors has surveyed state residents. Even though the numbers remain relatively strong, Oklahomans are becoming somewhat pessimistic. Realtors blame the broad brush used by the national media in portraying the economy.

Their campaign, "Good Thing, You're in Oklahoma," kicked off this week. It's hard to ignore the national economic problems but the numbers point to positive and steady growth in our local housing market.