First-time home buyers not only account for the largest share of home sales in many markets, but represent the fastest-growing segment of home sales in nearly half of those markets, brokers surveyed by Inman News report.

Second homes and move-up homes, on the other hand, are the most rapidly shrinking segment of their business, brokers responding to the survey said.

Homes sold to first-time buyers made up the largest share of home sales for 37% of brokers.  

Charleston home sales are at a much more positive place thanks to the expanded government tax break for homebuyers. The median home prices rose about 2 percent to $195,534, reaching a high point for 2009.

Sales activity increased in the $200,000 to $250,000 range during December, helping push the median home price up. In all, the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors recorded a total of 618 local home sales last month, a 30% increase from December 2008.

Inventory listed for sale with Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service dropped 5% to 8,940 compared to November.For most of last year, much of the region's sales activity was driven by first-time homeowners, which put  downward pressure on prices. The number of homes that sold for $160,000 or less increased 18% from 2008-2009, according to association data.