(Springfield, MO) -- KOLR/KSFX recently told you Greene County was seeing a rise in the amount of warranty deeds it was issuing.  Now, there's a spike in new homes being built.
     
The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield says research shows that at a national level the housing market hit bottom in January.  Now, six months later, the word here is people are buying and even building.

For awhile the sight of wooden frames dried up.

"The housing market was a big factor in the recession," says Rusty MacLachlan, president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield.    
    
But relief has come.  That has Springfield bankers and builders beaming.

"In the first four months of 2009, 45 building permits were issued in Greene County. In the last six weeks, we issued another 45 building permits. It doubled the amount in the last six week," says MacLachlan.

MacLachlan says people are also buying more housing materials.
    
He says, "In just a few weeks, we will reach that point where supply and demand have met.  For the longest time, we were oversupplied."

Brian Straughan, Springfield First Community Bank, adds, "We also see the purchase activity is trending upward again.  I think that is due in part to the favorable interest rates."

"Right now the housing prices look low and interest rates are low," says Jiantao Ding.    

That's why Ding just moved to Springfield from Dallas and is ready to become a homeowner.

He says, "I will buy a house."

With building permits on the rise and homeowners moving in, guess who's also benefiting?  Those bringing in the furniture.

"I things are really picking up.  We're booked all the way for a couple two to three months." says Gary Angle, Atlas Van Lines.

MacLahclan says, "The people that buy now are the one's that will reap the greatest rewards."

And they'll keep those building and bundling in business.

Remember, first time home buyers also get that $8,000 tax credit and it will apply to new home builders, if this is your primary home.  The tax credit expires December 1.

This news also comes as the Springfield Parade of Homes gets underway.  It begins on Friday and runs through Sunday.  It will also be held the following weekend.  For more information and to get a preview of some of the homes on the tour, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's website.