Despite the softest December market in more than a decade, Lubbock existing home sales for 2009 were their fourth highest in more than 40 years.

Figures show 2009 ended with 3,347 sales closed, with total dollar volume of nearly $447.08 million. The high-water mark was set in 1979 with 4,236 closings, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

Agents closed 174 sales last month, compared with 257 sales in November and 201 in December 2008. Average sale price for the month was $150,692, compared with $139,900 the previous year. The median price was $115,750.

Two groups - "starter" homes ranging from $70,000 to $140,000, and homes priced at $200,000 to $300,000 - accounted for the bulk of sales last month.

The "starter" group accounted for 70 sales, while 13 homes sold between $200,000 and $249,999, and 14 sold between $250,000 and $299,999.

Inventory fell while average time on the market rose last month against November's figures. On Dec. 31, the Realtors' Multiple Listing Service contained 1,298 houses compared with 1,362 at the end of November.

Average time on market rose to 110 days in December. compared with 97 the previous month.

Agents took 235 listings in December with asking prices totaling more than $35.54 million. The average listing price was $151,254 and the median was $109,000.

Sales volume last month was more than $26.2 million, compared with more than $28.1 million the previous year.