According to the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors home sales are up in the Lowcountry, despite a tumbling housing market throughout the country.

In January, 579 homes were sold and in February, that number rose to over 600.

Philip Ford, the executive vice president of the THA, says he has an idea why.

"The interest rates dropping, I think, sets up a dynamic for people to go out and get back in the market," said Ford.

While the number of homes sold went up from January to February, one homeowner in North Charleston says she has been trying to sell her house since October.

While it's been slow lately, she says a recent open house has given her reason to believe things might change soon.

"Actually the open house went really well. We had about 12 couples walk through and, from what I understand, that's a pretty good turnout," said homeowner Cathy Fitch.

Fitch says hasn't received any offers yet, but that could soon change if buyers heed a bit of advice and head to the banks.

"I think people should ignore what they're hearing nationally," said Ford. "They can still get a good loan on a house."

"If you've got good credit, there are still some loans out there - it's not a problem," he added.

And apparently, it hasn't been a problem for buyers to find what they are looking for in the Tri-county area.

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