BOSTON -- A new report shows single-family home sales across Massachusetts are up 17 percent from October of last year.

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross spoke to a local homeowner who hopes new federal rules will bring forth a buyer.

Helen Ramirez, of Chelsea, has loved her house for 22 years, but it's time to sell. She's tried four times in recent years. She'll hang a new for sale sign after the holidays.

"I want to put it back on the market," she said. "I just feel, financially, I cannot miss the boat again. It's time for me to move on. The house is too big for me."

Like Ramirez, more homeowners are banking on the extended federal tax credit for first-time buyers. It's driving business.

"That's been probably one of the best things that happened to spur the momentum for people to take advantage of it," Realtor Mel Martocchia said.

Pending sales are up. The Massachusetts Association of Realtors says those about to close are up 27 percent in October compared to the same time last year.

But sellers probably aren't happy that the selling price continues to drop. It's down 2.6 percent from October of last year.

"I don't have any big dreams of getting rich off selling this house. Believe me, I'm very realistic," Ramirez said.

Things must be getting better. Realtors say they need more houses for sale. It is the 19th straight month that inventory has dropped.