Cheap Homes Spur Sales Increase

June 22, 2009 — -- New house hunters searching for inexpensive homes may be the key to resuscitating the ailing housing market.

Sales of homes priced less than $100,000 are up 25 percent from just a year ago, whereas all other housing price ranges are down, according to the National Association of Realtors.

"It's very important for me to own a house, so I can provide for my family," said Carlos Canjura, a first-time home buyer who recently purchased a new residence along with his family in Independence, Mo., for $95,000.

And houses on the auction block for less than $50,000 are even hotter, with their sales a whopping 48 percent higher than a year ago.

"Good Morning America" took a look at the most viewed homes for less than $100,000 on real estate Web siteZillow.com to see what can be bought at the bargain basement prices.

There were properties like a beautifully landscaped three-bedroom home in Akron, Ohio, available for $87,000 and a cabin-like house in Westwood, Calif., that is surrounded by million-dollar homes priced at just $90,000.

In Jacksonville, Fla., there was a newly-renovated house on a river with a brand new front porch for $60,000, and a $49,000 house in a walkable Minneapolis neighborhood offers three bedrooms with hardwood floors.

And in Glendale, Ariz. , $41,000 will get you a four-bedroom, two bathroom house with a pool and waterfall

"I think it's a great opportunity to buy a home if people stay within their budget," said National Association of Realtors chief economics Lawrence Yun.