Home sales declined during August throughout the South Sound, according to the latest numbers from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

"It is solidly a buyer's market," said NWMLS director OB Jacobi, general manager of Windermere Real Estate Company. "The market is good for sellers who price their homes correctly."

The number of closed sales in Pierce County was 660, down from 686 during July and 774 in August 2009. The median price last month was $221,500, up from $219,970 during July but lower than $232,750 a year earlier.

In Mason County, there were 42 closed sales during August. That compares to 45 during July and 54 in August 2009. The median price was $194,500, up from $190,000 a month earlier and $161,000 a year ago.

Lewis County had 35 recorded sales, down from 37 during July and 61 in August 2009. The median price last month was $139,900, lower than $162,000 during July and $155,800 in August 2009.

The number of closed sales in Thurston County was 246 last month, down from 249 in July and 336 during August 2009. The median price was $239,950, up from $234,900 a month earlier but nearly flat compared to $239,900 during August 2009.