GOSHEN – Home sales are up in Orange County, according to figures released Monday by the Greater Hudson Valley MLS.

Sales rose 23 percent in October, compared to the same month last year. A total of 198 houses were closed on this October compared with 161 one year earlier.

Orange County Board of Realtors Executive Director Ann Garti attributes that to a large extent to the $8,000 federal tax credit that has been offered to home buyers.

As a result of the increased sales, she is “very optimistic” about the trend continuing. The tax credit has been extended through the end of April 2010, which will likely continue increased sales, Garti said.

“Hopefully, because of the multiplier effect of housing and the economy appearing to be improving, that will get on an even keel again,” she said.

The average selling price also increased, by five percent, in October. The average selling price for a single-family home in October 2008 was $287,000; it was $300,000 this October.

In neighboring Rockland County, which is also monitored by MLS, closed home sales dropped 10 percent in October from the previous year.