Home buyers were more active this February than last, an eagerness no doubt helped by housing prices that dipped a bit year over year.

The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors said Hillsborough/central Pasco County home sales rose from 1,216 in Feb. 2009 to 1,325 in Feb. 2010.

The average sales price dipped 3.2 percent, from $158,036 to $152,991. 

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We're entering a series of important months that will test the soundness of the housing recovery. Tampa Bay home prices have pretty much stabilized since last spring. It will be interesting to see if March-to-March and April-to-April price comparisons stand up.

Two events this spring could undermine prices: The home buyer tax credit expires April 30, and the Federal Reserve is gradually withdrawing the financial props that have kept mortgage rates at record lows.