LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Home sales are dropping across New Mexico. Comparing last year's second quarter sales to this year's, there was a 28 percent drop in home sales statewide. Dona Ana County saw an even bigger decline.

Dona Ana County saw about a 32 percent decrease in residential home sales for the same amount of time. Some real estate agents said Las Cruces is not feeling the same housing crunch as the rest of the country.

Don Schroeder has been trying to sell his spec home near Onate High School for about seven months now.

“We missed the timeline by a few months when the market turned,” said Schroeder.

He listed his ADA-compliant, Energy Star home with assist to sell. He has had multiple open houses, but he said finding the right buyer has been tough.

“People that would have purchased this house and could have purchased this house a year ago probably no longer have the credit score because of the financial crisis,” said Schroeder.

According to the Las Cruces Association of Realtors, 1,014 homes were sold in the first two quarters of last year. In that same time this year, only 688 homes sold. That’s a 32 percent decrease. Those selling are looking for any advantage.

“We are on 43 Web Sites. The National Association of Realtors said that 82 percent of the people that purchase homes first find it on the Internet,” said Assist 2 Sell Manager, Jody Hooper.

With 1,362 single family homes currently listed in the Dona Ana County area, and homeowners competing for buyers, some are going another route to help make ends meet.

“If they can't sell it, people want to rent it,” said Hooper.

Those selling their homes said transportation costs, like diesel fuel, are driving up the cost of homes, but many homeowners are dropping the price on their homes. They said if you’re looking to buy a home, now is a good time to get a good deal.