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COLUMBIA, MO. -- An improving economy and early spring weather has put pending homes sales in Columbia on an upward trend.

That’s according to officials with the Columbia Board of Realtors.

Columbia realtors said the recent spring like weather has made homes more attractive as flowers bloom and yards turn green.

February pending home sales in Columbia and Boone County were up by 109% compared to the same time last year.

Pending homes sales are indicators of future home sales.

Columbia Board of Realtors President Kim Coleman said, “The economy is getting better.  Rates are still historically low.  The fact that the weather has stayed so nice, we’re getting more houses on the market earlier.  Normally, it’s usually April or May before a lot of people put their house on the market.  This year it’s been February and March.”

Coleman said housing construction is also on the rise in the Columbia area.